WWW: Beyond the Basics

24. Ubiquitous Internet Computing

24.7 Augmented Reality and Telepresence

Augmented Reality is another branch of computing making use of the Internet. Augmented Reality adds computation to a physical object or enhances human perception by adding information not normally experienced by the human senses. One example is computer-assisted repair, where a headset is used to display part outlines and instructions to a technician while he is looking at an instrument (Feiner,MacIntyre:1993). A group at UNC uses Computer-augmented Vision Technology (University of North Carolina:1996) to allow a doctor to see inside of a patient. It could even be used to try on 'virtual' clothes to see if they fit before ordering them from an on-line catalog, or rearranging 'virtual' furniture (ECRC:1996) around your living room.

Telepresence is the label given to projects that focus on giving a 'presence' in a remote location. The Ontario Telepresence project at the University of Toronto (University of Toronto:1996) has installed many prototype projects to study the way people work. These include:

  • active desks, which work as an electric drafting table
  • Portholes, for background awareness of remote locations
  • Hydra, for video conferencing, where remote participants are represented by a 'video surrogate', an 11" high monitor.
  • Door Access Control, for environmental control and to divert phone calls.
  • Reactive Room, which serves as an office for electronic visitors (University of Toronto:1996b).

    [PREV][NEXT][UP][HOME][VT CS]

    Copyright © 1996 Ingrid E. Burbey, All Rights Reserved

    Ingrid Burbey <74001.1443@compuserve.com>
    Last modified: Wed Dec 11 1996