Non-Visual Augmented Reality

Definition

Non-Visual Augmented Reality describes an augmented reality system that does not rely or create primarily visual stimulus or images in order to function. Non-visual augmented reality is anything that adds to the user's environment without requesting attention from the user's vision.Rather, other senses are augmented and stimulated in the system.

"The trouble with visual augmented reality is that one has to sacrifice a certain amount of reality in order to experience the AR".

As Charlotte Magnusson points out, "we can use other senses than just vision. For example, if you’re visiting an archaeological site you could hear people from the past doing there labour or people chatting about that big mountain that might have some volcanic action going on. Charlotte runs a project called Haptimap that seeks to combine virtual feelings with maps. For example, we could attach sensors to our bodies that give us impulses that have certain meanings and thereby are able to guide us. Imaging biking thru a city for the first time and instead of a map for directions get impulses on your arms that tells you which way to turn next. You can have both hands on the handle and focus on dodging busses and other dangerous traffic".

Non-visual augmented reality is critique of the friction and lag that visual augmented reality systems inherent by their reliance on image processing, network connection and load time. Non-visual augmented reality gets rid of you holding the phone up, and pushes relevant information to you when you need it. Augmented reality is things like an app that you hold up to your face and look ridiculous as you wave it around looking.

Haptic, or Touch-Based Augmented Reality

Udo Wächter's Directional Belt

Compass Vibro Anklet by Noisebridge

Location-Based Augmented Reality=

A location-based AR system with automatic check-ins based on GPS data with updates sent by SMS. Developed by Aaron Parecki.

Locations are defined by circles on a map, and SMS messages are triggered to send when one enters into the area defined by that circle. One can set neighborhoods, areas, and blocks.

When one takes automatic check-ins further, one can add streaming data, allowing one’s device to collect SMS messages for hyperlocal areas without the need for QR codes or any visuals

Privacy is an enormous issue with systems like this. One does not always want SMS updates, open GPS map data, or text notifications of another’s proximity.

The basic case here is the meeting. Person A and Person B need to meet each other, but GPS data is only shared between them when they have a scheduled meeting. When the meeting ends, the data wall closes off, giving them back their privacy, kind of like a wormhole of temporary transparency between two people. This solves the problem of extreme bouts of “checkin-ism”., as well as the issue of remaining privy to one’s whereabouts all the time.

See Geonotes, Proximal Notification Systems, and Automatic Check-ins with GPS and SMS

Audio-Based Augmented Reality

See Audio Perfume

Bzzt acts like it's running in the background! The sounds will come through no matter what application is active, even while your iPhone is sleeping in your pocket. In the middle of breakfast, on the train, or in an important meeting, Bzzt has no qualms about interrupting your life. One day might involve a handful of sounds, then a week might go by without a peep. There are no settings, no blackout times, and no previews of the sounds.

A Synchronicity Machine. Each sound is sent out to all the installations of the app at the same time, so you might be on the bus, in the bank, or at the hospital when you hear a strange, funny, or confusing sound emanate from a dozen peoples' pockets or bags at the same time. There has never been a game quite like Bzzt.