Life's a pitch: Idea development

Our second meeting lead to the development of using augmented reality as part of the way finding system for LUA. We referred back to the brief and thought about the fact that it states that there is a no budget and that the next 10 years of technology should be developed.

“Consider what you COULD have, what would be a place to work that comes from your creative imagination. No budget, no restrictions. Consider what could be amazing…be aware of what architects and interior scan be, go nuts BUT remember you must have a real reason to base this presentation on, meaning WHY and also consider technology and what technology can be used not just for now, but consider the next 10 years or more. Get a story together, a rationalised presentation that both engages and wows.''

Taking this particular section of the brief into closer consideration we decided to move away form the metal grid idea and develop something more technology reliant, something a bit different and also something that still heavily relies on the users experience and ease of navigation.

Taking out the factor of a budget that we had initially focused our idea on, the use of augmented reality became the focus of our idea and further development as it is something that could be seen to be part of the system 10 years on from now. The majority of those visiting the university now are likely to own a phone and with the free wifi within the building they would be able to access the walk through map which would help them to get to where they needed to be very easily.

The mindmap shows the considerations about the app that we discussed as a group in terms of design, content etc.

Some elements of the app we discussed were:

- Having different languages for international students

- Menu with facilities, canteen, library etc

- Courses (illustration, graphic design etc)

- Workshops (digital print, woodwork etc)

- Creating a mock up video 

Augmented reality research

noun

1. a technology that superimposes a computer-generated image on a user's view of the real world, thus providing a composite view.

   
   

   As both virtual and real worlds harmoniously coexist, users of augmented reality experience a new and improved natural world where virtual information is used as a tool to provide assistance in everyday activities.

   
   

   

   
   

   

   
   

   

   
   

   Types of Augmented Reality:

   
   Marker-based augmented reality (also called Image Recognition) uses a camera and some type of visual marker, such as a QR/2D code, to produce a result only when the marker is sensed by a reader. Marker based applications use a camera on the device to distinguish a marker from any other real world object. Distinct, but simple patterns (such as a QR code) are used as the markers, because they can be easily recognised and do not require a lot of processing power to read. The position and orientation is also calculated, in which some type of content and/or information is then overlaid the marker.

   
   

   

   
   

   As one of the most widely implemented applications of augmented reality, marker less (also called location-based, position-based, or GPS) augmented reality, uses a GPS, digital compass, velocity meter, or accelerometer which is embedded in the device to provide data based on your location. A strong force behind marker less augmented reality technology is the wide availability of smartphones and location detection features they provide. It is most commonly used for mapping directions, finding nearby businesses, and other location-centric mobile applications.

   
   

   

   
   

   Superimposition based augmented reality either partially or fully replaces the original view of an object with a newly augmented view of that same object. In superimposition based augmented reality, object recognition plays a vital role because the application cannot replace the original view with an augmented one if it cannot determine what the object is. A strong consumer-facing example of superimposition based augmented reality could be found in the Ikea augmented reality furniture catalogue.

   
   

   

   
   

   How will we use Augmented Reality?

   For our app we want to use marker less augmented reality as this is most suited for creating maps and directions. We will use the University environment filmed on mobile devices whilst having superimposed arrows and guiders that will allow the user to easily navigate their way around the university. We want the virtual reality to work together with the environment so that the app flows smoothly and looks professional. 

   
   

Why?
- Accessible
- Constantly updated
- Low cost
- No physical labour or alterations to the building
- Ease of use
- No environmental damage
- Time saving