University of Toronto: Mediated Reality & Wearable Computers

TL;DR

Mediated reality offers a more respectful approach to adding new content to the world through augmented eyewear while minimizing information overload.

Transcript

in augmented reality you add new matter to the world but the problem with that is it gives kind of gives you a headache after a while having been in the space for thirty years from Warren thirty-five years I guess been wearing this type material to a mediated reality for that long augmented reality has only been around if it'll happen recently thou... Read More

Key Insights

• 👶 Mediated reality offers a more thoughtful approach to adding new content to the world through augmented eyewear.
• 😀 Electric eyeglasses in mediated reality can provide not only customizable prescriptions but also features like face recognition and virtual name tags.
• 👓 The integration of Google Street View into eyeglasses showcases the potential of mediated reality in enhancing navigation and direction.
• 👻 Eyeglasses in mediated reality act as both a camera and a display medium, replicating the real world while allowing for modifications and interventions.
• 💁 Mediated reality aims to avoid information overload and potential headaches that can be caused by indiscriminate augmentation.
• 🫤 The concept of mediated reality was envisioned decades ago, highlighting the long-standing interest in respectful augmentation.
• 🌍 Mediated reality has the potential to enhance our understanding of the world through adaptive interpretation.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is the main difference between augmented reality and mediated reality?

The main difference between augmented reality and mediated reality is that while augmented reality adds new information without considering the existing content, mediated reality aims to modify reality in a respectful manner by considering what is already present.

Q: How can electric eyeglasses be a part of mediated reality?

Electric eyeglasses in mediated reality offer more than just customizable optical prescriptions. They can integrate features like wearable face recognizers, which automatically recognize names and faces, and even display virtual name tags on individuals.

Q: Can you explain how Google Street View was incorporated into mediated reality?

In the early days of Google Street View, it was integrated into a pair of eyeglasses called the "Google Goggles." This allowed the wearer to see Street View images in their field of view, essentially providing a digital map and navigation system.

Q: How does the eyeglasses in mediated reality function as both a camera and a display medium?

The eyeglasses in mediated reality utilize a camera and a 45-degree beam splitter to replicate the image captured by the eye. A computer-controlled laser light source is used to repaint that image onto the wearer's retina, allowing for real-world intervention and modifications.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Augmented reality often adds new information without considering what is already present, leading to information overload and potential headaches.

• Mediated reality, on the other hand, aims to replace and modify reality in a respectful way by bringing new content while considering what is already there.

• Mediated reality can include features like electric eyeglasses with customizable prescriptions, wearable face recognizers, and integrating Google Street View.