A variety of real-world activities can be experienced differently if blended with computer data. This notion, called "augmented reality," combines features of the real world with a virtual environment. One way to implement augmented reality is through the use of live video imagery, which is digitally processed and then enhanced with interactive 3D graphic objects. The possibilities are endless. For example, an auto manufacturer could experience in real-time how its newest model will interact with different surroundings, such as the busy streets of Manhattan. Or, imagine an interactive 3D version of yourself climbing the steps of the Egyptian Pyramids or taking a thrilling roller coaster ride. The challenge is to make this technology accessible to a broad range of developers across a spectrum of industries.
The concept of augemented reality is shown here--where real and virtual worlds blend to create a unique experience.
Total Immersion of Paris, France, is a pioneer in the augmented reality field. From the beginning, Total Immersion has been committed to providing systems that run on affordable PCs and integrate into the user’s technology infrastructure. To demonstrate augmented reality’s application to the entertainment industry, Total Immersion recently worked with Futuroscope in France to create "Wild Animals." In this "ride," a stylized wagon travels through a jungle, the desert, and other environments where 3D animals appear and interact with people in real-time. "Wild Animals" will be launched at the Futuroscope theme park in July 2007 utilizing Total Immersion’s real-time visual software and NVIDIA graphics.
Augmented reality has a wide range of potential applications, from automotive design to entertainment.
Bruno Uzzan, CEO of Total Immersion, comments: "Augmented reality is no longer an abstract notion. It is transforming our previous ideas about visualization. In the near future, augmented reality will dramatically affect how we work, play, travel, and communicate, as data is converted to information in an immersive environment. The implications are enormous as we enhance a user's view of the real world by adding virtual objects to it in a realistic manner."
To learn more, please visit: www.t-immersion.com.
Images courtesy of Total Immersion.
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