Augmented Reality is highly anticipated in the gaming world and while new AR gaming glasses are expected to hit the market soon, AR technology is also being used to make the world a safer place. For example, it is being incorporated into military tanks and headsets to improve vision and it won’t be long before motorcycle helmets also feature the technology. We are getting closer to Tony Stark’s world every day.
Meta One (via MetaOne)
The first new AR gadget comes from an unexpected place. Meta is back with its take on smart glasses, which are now better than ever. The goggles feature both SoftKinetic motion sensing and Epson Optics, which do a great job of accurately tracking user movements while gaming.
The glasses, called Meta One, offer a wider field of vision than the initial prototype and it’s easier on the eyes, too. The new goggles have molded plastic parts that support a visor design, compared to the older robotic look. It’s also easier on the wallet as the Meta One is expected to retail at $3,000, nearly half the price of Google’s AR glasses.
The Meta One still plans on continuing to develop the goggles to make them more lightweight. Backers, however, can not get their hands on their developer kits! Meta is relying largely on the developer community to create new apps for the hardware, but it’s proven to be a good product so far.
But AR/VR gets better...
FUSAR Technologies’ Guardian helmet (image courtesy of Engadget & FUSAR)
AR technology isn’t just for gaming anymore. The capabilities are being harnessed to enhance everyday life, too. One victim of a motorcycle accident decided to see if AR could give cyclists a broader perspective of their surroundings, and he did. Introducing: the Guardian.
The Guardian is an AR motorcycle helmet that features an Android board, Epson Moverio hardware and two wide-angle cameras to give riders a wider view of their surroundings. Ryan Shearman, founder and CEO of FUSAR Technologies, was rear ended while on a motorcycle and used the accident as inspiration for how he could potentially prevent future accidents.
The helmet is DOT- approved and aside from allowing bikers to be more aware of what’s going on around them, the helmet also provides drivers with rear view cameras, a navigation system, mph indication, video recording capabilities and a black box. If an accident is detected, the camera will automatically store the footage.
The current helmet prototype will continue to be enhanced. Shearman plans on adding voice control and other security features to the final version before it hits the market, which is expected to be in a year’s time. FUSAR Technologies will launch a crowdfunding campaign in mid-July to fund the development of the Guardian.
Military access
MakingView’s prototype featuring Oculus Rift (via MakeView)
In light of recent developments, civilians won’t be the only ones taking advantage of AR technology. The military is also incorporating AR into its equipment to give soldiers a better field of view.
MakingView is behind the first project, using Oculus Rift Virtual Reality helmets to allow soldiers sitting inside of armored vehicles a view of the outside world by looking straight through the armor, virtually. The project is being developed for the Norwegian Army, but if successful, it may change the way the military thinks about military tank technology.
The technology is made possible by installing a number of cameras outside of the vehicle (stealthily, of course). The camera footage is streamed directly to the VR helmets, giving drivers a real-time view of the outside world. While users run the risk of getting dizzy, using the helmets is surely safer than peering out of the hatch and running the risk of getting shot by snipers.
The current prototype uses low-resolution imaging and relies upon Oculus Rift technology. The final product is expected to provide drivers with a navigation system and potentially information about the mission at-hand (which is to be expected with a hardware solution initially designed for video games).
The final product is expected to be ready within five years. It surely won’t be the last time we hear about VR technology being used in the military. Aside from VR technology, holographic technology is also being harnessed to help infantry detect threats in the environment.
Holographic technology within the military
DARPA’s ULTRA-VIS headset (via DARPA & Breaking Defense)
DARPA is behind a new initiative to use technology to make soldiers more aware of their surroundings at all times. It developed a headset called the ULTRA-VIS that relies on holographic technology to help soldiers stay locked onto targets at all times.
The headset features a holographic screen that sits in front of the user’s left eye. The technology is powered by GPS and stays locked onto targets regardless of their movement. It has a 360-degree display and also functions as an internal communication system between cadets.
The ULTRA-VIS is still just a concept at this point but DARPA plans to continue to expand upon the incorporation of visual technologies into military equipment. One of the drawbacks to using holographs, however, is how costly it is. MIT is looking to change that.
Researchers at MIT recently decided to try their luck at bringing holographic-like technology to consumers, at a fraction of the cost – and it’s working! The team developed a 3D projector that doesn’t require glasses, but instead uses liquid crystal modulators to manipulate light and project 3D images.
The projector relies upon a graphics card to keep projected images vibrant and during a trial it was able to successfully produce eight 3D images that look different depending on the angle at which it is being viewed (so each image has a “good side”). The device is still in the early stages of development, so it’s running at a snail’s pace of 40Hz. Regardless, the speed is still fast enough for most TV sitcoms and movies, making the possibility of hosting a 3D Jurassic Park-themed BBQ a very real option.
Visual technology continues to advance and reach beyond the average gaming console. If things continue to advance the way they have, it won’t be long before classrooms look like the Matrix and we are all telecommunicating on AR headsets. Until then, be thankful we’ve moved past dial-up.
C
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