Introduction to Augmented Reality for Adelphi University's Mobile Learning Class Assignment

1. Augmented Reality:
An Introduction
Stan Bogdanov, Chris Grunert, Kristin Hart

2. Augmented Reality merges visual perception of the
“real world” with computer-generated content.
• On the simplest level, graphics displayed onscreen over televised sporting
events, barcodes and QR codes could all be considered augmented reality.

3. “Real” Augmented Reality is a hybrid technology
that requires 4 basic components
• a display
• a tracker
• a graphics computer
• a piece of software
• four components that have all merged beautifully onto the object we are all
carrying in our pockets right now, our smartphones, but which remain
essentially unchanged since AR’s conception 45 years ago.

4. The “Sword of Damacles,” from MIT in 1968, projected 3D vector
graphics inside a helmet and conveyed it to the user’s eyes through
lenses and half-silvered mirrors. It tracks the user’s gaze through
sensors in the helmet.
(image: CNET)

5. Other highlights in AR development
This legendary device from
1989 was actually called the
“Eyephone” (image: CNET)
Steve Mann’s Wear Comp 1 was
apparently held together with
duct tape.
By 1984 (the year of the first
Apple computer), it looked a
little better.
(images: Wikipeda)

6. The most widespread use of augmented reality in everyday life can
actually be found on something most of us have - mobile phones
(images: Layar)

7. The screen is a window through which we view an augmented world.
(images: Layar, Wikitude, and WordLens)

8. Microsoft Surface
(image: Wikimedia Commons)

9. SixthSense Technology
(image: Wikimedia Commons)

10. Vuzix is a headpiece that has an eye mounted
display screen
• Features an Android-based
computer in the headpiece
• It will be sold for under $500
• Equipped with gyroscope, GPS, a
digital compass, a 720p HD
camera, 4GB of onboard
storage, and an 8GB memory card.
• One downside is battery life. It only
lasts about 8 hours until it needs to
be recharged.
• Another downside is having to only
use one eye.
(image: Vuzix)

11. Microsoft’s Version of Google Glass
• Tracks the direction in which the wearer
is looking, and adjusts its on-screen
graphics accordingly
• Camera for videos and pictures.
• Used like a smartphone, users don’t
need to use their phones to check social
networking and media.
• Two eyepieces instead of one.
(image: Google Patents)

12. ORA-S Digital Eyewear Platform
•
•
•
•
•
Hands-free mobile computing.
Geo-localization, sports, messaging, situation awareness, etc.
Connects wirelessly to a smartphone or tablet.
Has a flip view which allows for full augmented reality view.
It also has a built in camera.
(images: Ora-s)

13. The Future of AR
(images: Wikimedia Commons and YouTube)