Augmented Reality

Augmented Reality is paving the way for a digital future.

The basis of augmented reality is tracking points. We were shown the app Augment which allowed you to add 3D models to live video. This models could be stock ones or created by yourself and imported.

Augmented reality had many applications and has the potential to be use in every part of daily life. From educational requirements to architectural design, even as far as medical treatments and diagnoses. AR explicitly makes the lives of the users easy. From an educational standpoint I can understand how essential AR is and would be.

At the turn of 2015 Microsoft revealed the HoloLens augmented reality headset. This is an overlay over your vision that allows you to interact with objects around you. AR is making sharing ideas and the ability to express creativity more accessible and expressive.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IYq7OgbQEhc

Projection Mapping

Projection Mapping is quite the theatrical performance.

I was familiar with the concept of Projection Mapping but not quite on a large scale. Clive had shown us how we can use both computers and smartphones to do our own kinds of projection mapping. DynaMapper was a simple, yet powerful tool to effectively map out images and videos onto surfaces both small and large. The computer software HeavyM was better for mapping out on a larger scale, which I am considering using for the Convergence Task.

Projection Mapping had both theatrical, artistic usage and a marketing usage. These are often combined. The most interesting aspect is that there is a market for this kind of Digital Media and is becoming increasingly popular as technology advances. However, projection mapping has been around for a long time. One of the first instances was in 1969 where Disneyland used animated disembodied heads on their Haunted Mansion ride. I particularly enjoyed the use of projection mapping at the beginning of EXO’s 2014 MAMA Ceremony in Hong Kong. The use of dance and projection mapping was effective into detailing the introduction of the performance:

So how could this help me in my Convergence Task:

  • I could create a theatrical performance detailing myself.
  • I could project onto objects that represent me.
  • This style of media can be produced on both a large and small scale and is easily accessible.