The View From Above: In Hard Focus Round-up (August 22nd, 2011)

Augmented Reality Mirror allows you to see your better self: Researchers at the Multimedia and Vision research group at Queen Mary, University of London, have created an application that allows one to change one’s appearance in real time, as reported by New Scientist. Utilizing 3D modeling and feature tracking to create a virtual mirror, the technology could have lots of real-world applications, the obvious being for aesthetic reasons like plastic surgery consultations. See the video above for an application of this technology. 

3-D GPS breakthrough will mean accuracy for scientists and consumers alike: Fast Company reports that scientists at Rice University are working to improve GPS system calculations, which are typically affected by poor altitude judgment and errors from radio signal filtering. The software in development, which aims to filter out these errors and thus improve accuracy, will certainly have wide implications for location-based services beyond simple GPS navigation, from glacier tracking to more precise location-based services and applications (think within centimeters).

Apple betting on AR with a new patent: Apple has recently filed a patent application that will essentially incorporate AR technology into the iPhone’s camera. This patent will not only bring a new layer of information to the already useful native applications (Maps and Compass, for example), but, as CNET reports, may give AR the push it needs to hit mainstream adoption and use. Not to mention, it also opens up the platform for companies and developers looking to get on the Augmented Reality train.

Augmented Reality GPS ... on a Camera?

Next time you go on vacation, make sure you see (and photograph) all the best sights by taking along the new Fujifilm FinePix F600 EXR compact superzoom camera.

The F600 includes GPS so you can tag your photos as you go. The location can then be plotted on a map, which features an augmented reality landmark navigator. Muchlike a cell phone app might, this navigator automatically locates places of interest from a built-in database of about 1 million locations. It also lets you know where they are and how to get there, all on the camera's 3-inch screen.

The camera also features motion-detection software that will help you to avoid taking blurry pics. When the camera automatically spots that a subject is moving, it adjusts to a high shutter speed to freeze the action. Awesome!

The camera goes on sale at the end of October, just in time for Christmas gift planning. Oh and it's only about $540.

May the Force Be With You -- In Your Car

Last year, TomTom incorporated "Star Wars" voices -- Darth Vader, Han Solo and C3PO -- in their GPS navigation, and last month Garmin has, too, joined the Dark Side. Complete with lightsaber and breathing sounds, for $12.99, Darth Vader can tell...actually, more like command you to your destination with such threats as "Don't make me destroy you." By the end of your trip, he graces you with "Your journey to the Dark Side is nearly complete." and "You have reached your destination. Impressive, most impressive."

To bring balance to the Force, you Jedis out there can now choose Yoda to direct you to your destination. At the end of your journey, Yoda praises, "Your destination you have reached. Powerful you have become."

Coming Soon: Augmented Reality Navigation System

 

Pioneer's AVIC-VH09CS system is an in-dash navigation system that employs augmented reality to get you to your destination and keeps you informed about what is going on around the car while you drive.

A windshield-mounted camera displays the road ahead of you and the technology superimposes arrows on the road, directing you to your destination.

How much will this technology set you back?  Around $3,700.

Students Learn to Use GPS, GIS Technology to Solve Crimes

The University of Toronto Mississuagua's Forensic Anthropology Field School is teaching students to map out details of crime scenes by using GPS and GIS technology to analyze evidence and spatially piece together crime scene clues.

GIS technology can be used to display and analyze patterns in crime scene locations and forensic information. When combined with GPS systems, GIS software  may be used to document and track patterns of crimes, track movements of criminals released on parole, as well as predict locations where serial offenders live and operate. The applications offer many possibilities for the visualization of forensic data and providing spatial and three- dimensional perspectives on forensic investigations.

Digital mapping is used in many courses at other universities, however not all place the process of data collection entirely in the student’s hands. At the Forensic Anthropology Field School, students proactively analyze spatial relationships, run scenarios, take detailed measurements, compare maps to aerial photographs, identify patterns and create data sets.