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Augmenting reality: the new catchword for integrating computers into our lives
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Augmentative reality devices have arrived
There has been a great deal written about augmenting reality using computers lately. From games to navigational systems, many applications are being designed to become integrated into our non computing lives when are away from the desk. Some devices are relatively common such as GPS systems. Others literally filter our reality and add new levels of perception such as digital readouts or information displays embedded in visors or even glasses.
The military has researched augmentation before and had limited success. The devices were found to be too distracting and too invasive for soldiers. This was in part due to immature technology and a lack of usability design. The commercial sector is posed to expand the market for such devices in the near future.
Smartphones and pds now have gps like mapping systems as well as information systems that can present information based on the location of the user. Some applications can give information about nearby buildings or business. Others may present advertising for businesses or present menus for restaurants. Perhaps the most well known examples of augmentative reality computers was in Minority report where scanners continually produce ads based on the user shopping experiences. Reality augmentative devices have the potential to both enlighten our lives and pose privacy problems.
Unlike traditional desktop PCs and laptops, mobile phones and pdas are small enough to be handled while one walks down a street or rides a train. Many can be placed within a large pocket or case. The newest products offer new forms of input that can sense hand or gesture movements for input. While technology is still emerging, the potential is there for a new trend in computing not seen a decade ago.
Augmented reality is a rather imprecise term for what is really a large array of different computer systems and applications blended together to add computer functionality into non traditional computing environments. Some of the more well known forms include visors display images or text, small screens that show information, or wearable input devices to aid in busy environments. In some ways, augmentative reality devices are attempting to take our daily reality and add a layer of data in a visual or auditory form. However, many have fears that such devices will ultimately impinge on our privacy.
Some already decry the use of cell phones and smart phones. Many people appear to be unable to walk down a street without texting someone or making a phone call. Many now use mobile computers found smart phones to interact online outside of the office or home. In a sense, augmentative reality devices offer the next step in the direction pioneered by cell phones.
In the short term augmentative reality devices may come in similar forms such as smart phones or portable devices. However, as the technology develops, most devices will probably either be worn or placed in way that is almost invisible including implants. If such devices catch on then our concept of computing may change drastically. Fully integrate computer systems that enhance our vision with layers of data abstraction or offer locale based information were once the stuff of science fiction. Today that fiction is become reality.
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