Introduction to Augmented Reality Books
Augmented reality might just be the important thing to bringing back printed books within the age of e-books. Researchers on the University of Surrey have been working on a project called Next Generation Paper (NGP), which mixes the normal experience of reading a printed book with the interactive features of digital media.
What are Augmented Books?
Augmented books, or "a-books," are a brand new style of book that uses augmented reality technology to boost the reading experience. The University of Surrey has introduced the third generation (3G) version of its NGP project, which allows readers to devour information on each printed paper and a screen at the identical time. This hybrid solution has the potential to revolutionize the way in which we read and interact with books.
Benefits of Augmented Books
According to Dr. Radu Sporea, a senior lecturer on the Advanced Technology Institute (ATI), augmented books may be the long run of many book genres, including travel, tourism, and education. This technology can assist readers in gaining a deeper understanding of the written topic and supply additional information through digital means without disrupting the experience of reading a paper book. The advantages of augmented books include:
- Power efficiency
- Pre-printed conductive paper
- No visible wiring
- Simple gestures to trigger digital content
How Augmented Books Work
The 3G model of the NGP project allows users to trigger digital content with an easy gesture, equivalent to swiping a finger or turning a page. The digital content is then displayed on a close-by device. The latest model can also be designed to robotically recognize the open page and trigger the multimedia content, minimizing distractions for the reader.
Potential Applications
The potential applications of augmented books are vast. According to George Bairaktaris, a postgraduate researcher on the University of Surrey, the unique research was carried out to complement travel experiences by creating augmented travel guides. However, the upgraded 3G model may be used in several areas, equivalent to education. The techniques and knowledge gained from the project can be applied to exploring organic materials and printing techniques to fabricate scalable sensors for interfaces beyond the a-book.
Conclusion
In conclusion, augmented reality books have the potential to bring back the normal experience of reading printed books while still providing the interactive features of digital media. The University of Surrey’s NGP project has made significant progress in developing this technology, and the potential applications are vast. As the technology continues to evolve, we will expect to see more progressive uses of augmented reality on the planet of books and beyond. With the power to boost the reading experience and supply additional information through digital means, augmented books could be the long run of reading.
