Tag: google glass

Visual fatigue is a problem when switching from 2D to 3D.

One of the primary limitations of head mounted display (HMD) augmented reality technology is that human eyes have a difficult time adjusting between a 2D image on a screen and the 3D world that is in front of them, but researchers from the University of Connecticut in Storrs and the University of Arizona in Tucson, have developed a device that superimposes three dimensional images instead of two dimensional.

The researchers have developed an AR device similar to Google Glass.

The device, called an optical see-through head mounted display (OST-HMD) is compact, lightweight and a high-performance gadget that is not unlike Google Glass. It was developed by Hong Hua from the University of Arizona and Bahram Javidi of the University of Connecticut. It has been designed to superimpose a 3D image instead of the typical 2D image on the three dimensional view of real life.

The researchers developed a technology known as microscopic integral imaging display to create the 3D image. With this technique, a minute, high resolution screen generates views from diverse perspectives of the 3D image that the user wants to overlay. The various views come together to recreate a three dimensional scene that is sent through a freeform eyepiece (an optical lens with a unique shape) and into the eye. In essence, this augmented reality technology allows the user to view the virtual image as a 3D object in the real life scene in front of them. Eye focus is not affected, which results in a far more comfortable AR experience.

According to Hua, the OST-HMD has the potential to “redefine the way we perceive and interact with digital information.” For instance, in the future, it may provide a new training method for soldiers by integrating 3D virtual objects into real world environments or it might enable a surgeon to see CT (computed tomography) images spread over the surface of a patient’s abdomen during surgery.

It will still be some time before this augmented reality technology can be commercialized.

“Minimizing visual discomfort involved in wearing AR displays remains an unresolved challenge,” said Hua. She went on to say that “This work is making a significant step forward in addressing this important issue.”

Before the Augmented reality device will be ready for commercialization, plenty of work still needs to be done. However, Javidi commented that he believes commercialization is promising due to the improved commercial availability of optoelectronic and optical devices.

Glass could be the next powerful mobile gaming platform

Google Glass may come to play a major role in gaming, especially that of the mobile variety. As one of the largest technology organizations in the world, Google has a strong position in the gaming field, largely because its Android mobile operating system is one of the most popular mobile gaming platforms. The company’s augmented reality glasses could soon change the way people experience their games and independent game developers are turning to Glass to revolutionize gaming.

Indie developers are beginning to turn to Glass for its augmented reality capabilities

Glass has not yet been officially released, but a relatively small number of developers and tech industry professionals have advance models of the device. Glass is already capable of taking pictures, capturing video, and engaging in various forms of social media, but a growing number of indie game developers and crafting mobile games specifically for the platform. Because of the device’s augmented reality capabilities, it is quite popular among developers that are interested in producing highly interactive games.

Developers could use AR to create more interactive games

The majority of applications currently available on Google Glass are designed with social media and content creation in mind. Developers are beginning to bring ambitious mobile games to the platform, however. Games like Mind Pirate have recently found their way to Glass, aiming to provide an innovative gaming experience for Glass users. Some of these games focus on the augmented reality capabilities of the platform, leveraging this technology to turn the real world into a gaming environment.

Mobile gaming is becoming a priority for some large development studios and publishers

Mobile gaming has become a very powerful force in the overarching game industry. The field is primarily composed of small developers that are independent of publishers, but large game studios are beginning to enter into the mobile space. As large development studios begin to take mobile gaming seriously, they too may see the promise in augmented reality technology and Glass. Companies like Sony and Microsoft are already taking steps to develop their own AR headsets in order to capture the wonderment of interactive gaming.