Augmented Reality in 3D Modeling

The virtual world in terms of creating augmented reality has come a long way since the turn of the 21st century, Today, thanks to advanced technology and the reduction in size of computer processors, it is now possible to augment real objects with additional visual information thanks to Virtual Reality (VR) glasses.

One of the key developments has been the incorporation of hand tracking technology that allows for the interaction of the hands with the computer-generated images in sessio with the glasses. This kinetic approach incorporates hand tracking manages to take basic concepts from mobile devices such as tablets and smartphones.

Companies such as Visual Collaboration and Skyhigh are taking the field of augmented reality and combining it with 3D modeling to achieve an entirely new plain of existence in a computer generated sense. While such technology has advanced considerably over the years, today it stands at the threshold of a new era thanks to the incorporation of hand tracking technology.

What is Augmented Reality?

Instead of creating a totally virtual world, the glasses incorporate real objects that the viewer sees while wearing the glasses. This reality is augmented by computer generated images as dictated by the programs and items that are being viewed. In addition, the glasses themselves may create an object out of nothing for manipulation purposes.

In movies, such technology is readily apparent in films such as “Minority Report” where there are scenes showing augmented reality and manipulation of computer generated objects through the use of hands. While today’s augmented reality is not yet at the level of what is seen in science fiction films, it is getting closer thanks to in large part to the imaginative combination of the real and virtual worlds.

How Hand Tracking Works

Essentially, in a sessio in augmented reality, the hands are being tracked by the computer located in the glasses. While some products have the user wearing gloves, the technology is now at the point where no additional support or trackers are needed for the computer to focus on the hands of the user.

A virtual image is on display, one that interacts with a real object or one that is created totally in the virtual world. The use of dual kinetic-based hand tracking means that the hands of the user act in some ways like cursor on a computer screen. With the tracker incorporating the hands into the virtual world, the user can manipulate the virtual objects that have been created.

This means that they can move them about, make them larger or smaller, or activate new commands that may change the color or appearance of the object itself and trade it for another one. You can see in the demonstration video how one person can take a totally virtual rectangle and manipulate its size, shape, location, and appearance all by the use of their hands. One hand can be used to move the object about while both hands can “pinch” the object by the corners and pull it out so it occupies more virtual space or push it in to make it smaller.

This type of manipulation represents a real breakthrough. Because the hands are tracked through the glasses, the scrolling reaction is also based in 3D which creates a very smooth, realistic experience that requires very little training to fully utilize. This means that in the not-too-distant future, a person can purchase the glasses and actually start the process of manipulating 3D models that are projected with virtually no instructions.

This manipulation carries with it a number of possibilities when it comes to incorporating augmented reality into the real world.

The Possibilities for Augmented Reality in 3D Modeling

While the future may bring visions of seeing hundreds of people walking down sidewalks using their hands to manipulate virtual objects that no one else can see, a closer reality is the first practical use of the technology is interacting with real objects that have been augmented to a certain degree.

Information: Imagine going to the store to purchase an item. With the glasses in place, you can see all the pertinent information about the item projected in the virtual world thanks to the glasses. This means that you can see the price, size, features, and any other relevant information so that you can make the best informed decision about whether to purchase that item.

Taking it a step further, you can also use the glasses to go online and check to see if that item is available elsewhere for a lower price. This means that you can shop around the world if need be in order to get the best available price for the item you want.

Creativity: Another possibility is that such technology will be used to create something new, whether connected to a real object or not. Because the reality can be augmented quickly by the incorporation of 3D objects, a person can manipulate them to create new shapes or objects as a means to improve a particular item or product. Of course, what is created may ultimately have nothing to do with the item itself.

However, the creative possibilities are virtually limitless thanks to the information and sophistication of the technology available.

Efficiency: One intriguing possibility is the combination of the hands and voice to make everyday life more efficient. From ordering items online to interacting with virtual objects over real ones to find out more information, the ability to get what you need may become faster and more efficient as a result. While typing is slower than voice commands, it is more efficient. Plus, even the best voice recognition systems can be inhibited by excessive background noise. The augmented reality of 3D modelling may lead to a combination of the hands and voice that interacts more efficiently with the real world.

Of course, there are many possibilities when it comes to the 3D modeling that is placed on real objects. For businesses such as Skyhigh and Visual Collaboration, the goal is to create a practical, robust, and versatile system that works for many different uses.