I think I am in love with a technology. Now, if I could just figure out how to use it for online support or documentation. Start by checking out this augmented reality demo at GE, called the Smart Grid.

Augmented reality is a means of super-imposing computer generated data onto a video image in real time. A user must print a "platform" image and then display it on-screen by holding it up to their Web cam. The software then superimposes the CGI image onto the platform and, as the user moves the platform around, moves the image as well. Wikipedia article

I stumbled on a discussion on IxDA's mailing list and that sent me off exploring. The first site was a testing site put up by interaction designers at Mini (the really cute little cars). It's in German, but just click Hier Making Of-Video anzeigen to start the video.

I then went to the Smart Grid, a site (in English) mentioned by another poster in the discussion. You can print a platform and play with the technology at this GE site.

Lastly (I do have to get some work done this morning), I went to the site of the company that makes Magic Symbol, an augmented reality software. They have more examples.

Labels: inspiring, interface, tools