Practical Augmented Reality: A Guide to the Technologies, Applications, and Human Factors for AR and VR

by Steve Aukstakalnis

Overview

The most comprehensive and up-to-date guide to the technologies, applications and human factors considerations of Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) systems and wearable computing devices. 
Practical Augmented Reality is ideal for practitioners and students concerned with any application, from gaming to medicine. It brings together comprehensive coverage of both theory and practice, emphasizing leading-edge displays, sensors, and DIY tools that are already available commercially or will be soon. Beginning with a Foreword by NASA research scientist Victor Luo, this guide begins by explaining the mechanics of human sight, hearing and touch, showing how these perceptual mechanisms (and their performance ranges) directly dictate the design and use of wearable displays, 3-D audio systems, and tactile/force feedback devices. 
Steve Aukstakalnis presents revealing case studies of real-world applications from gaming, entertainment, science, engineering, aeronautics and aerospace, defense, medicine, telerobotics, architecture, law enforcement, and geophysics. Readers will find clear, easy-to-understand explanations, photos, and illustrations of devices including the Atheer AiR, HTC Vive, DAQRI Smart Helmet, Oculus (Facebook) CV1, Sony PlayStation VR, Vuzix M300, Google Glass, and many more. Functional diagrams and photographs clearly explain how these devices operate, and link directly to relevant theoretical and practical content. 
Practical Augmented Reality thoroughly considers the human factors of these systems, including sensory and motor physiology constraints, monocular and binocular depth cues, elements contributing to visually-induced motion sickness and nausea, and vergence–accommodation conflicts. It concludes by assessing both the legal and societal implications of new and emerging AR, VR, and wearable technologies as well as provides a look next generation systems.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780134094359
Publisher:	Pearson Education
Publication date:	09/08/2016
Series:	Usability
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	448
Sales rank:	374,023
File size:	23 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.
Age Range:	18 Years

About the Author

Steve Aukstakalnis is a former research scientist and Director of the Virtual Environment and Interactive Systems Program at the National Science Foundation's Engineering Research Center for Computational Field Simulation. There, his work focused on the application of advanced visual displays and interactive techniques in such areas as architecture, engineering, scientific visualization and national defense. He has served on the research staff at the University of Washington as well as the faculty of Mississippi State University. Steve has served an invited lecturer, instructor and researcher on the topic of virtual reality and advanced visual simulation for such organizations as the Dept. of Defense, U.S. Army, Naval Oceanographic Office, Nat'l Reconnaissance Office, University of Michigan, Pepperdine University, Purdue, Dartmouth, Nat'l Taiwan University, the Smithsonian Institution and a host of other universities, corporations and government agencies across N. America and around the world.

Table of Contents

• Part 1         Introduction to Augmented and Virtual Reality
• Chapter 1   Computer Generated Worlds
• Chapter 2   Understanding Space
• Part 2         Understanding the Human Senses and Their Relationship to Output / Input Devices
• Chapter 3   The Mechanics of Sight      
• Chapter 4   Component Technologies of Head-Mounted Displays
• Chapter 5   Google Glass and Related Augmenting Displays
• Chapter 6   Fully Immersive Displays
• Chapter 7   The Mechanics of Hearing
• Chapter 8   Audio Displays
• Chapter 9   The Mechanics of Feeling
• Chapter 10 Tactile and Force Feedback Devices
• Chapter 11  Sensors for Tracking Position, Orientation and Motion
• Chapter 12  Devices to Enable Interaction with Data
• Part 3   Applications of Augmented and Virtual Reality
• Chapter 13  Gaming and      
• Chapter 14  Architecture and
• Chapter 15  Science and Engineering
• Chapter 16  Health and Medicine
• Chapter 17  Aerospace and
• Chapter 18  Education
• Chapter 19  Information Control
• Chapter 20  Telerobotics and Teleprescence
• Part 4   Human Factors, Legal and Social Considerations
• Chapter 21  Human Factors Considerations      
• Chapter 22  Legal and Social
• Chapter 23  The Future
• Appendix A     Bibliography
• Appendix B    Resources

Editorial Reviews

A valuable addition to the library of anyone setting out on their virtual journey.”

—Dr Rab Scott Head of VR, Nuclear AMRC

“A well-presented introduction to advanced visualization technologies, which will provide readers with an informed overview of this fast-paced, high-tech industry.”

—Chris Freeman, Augmented Reality Technical Fellow, University of Sheffield AMRC

“Filled with excellent, imaginative information that will inform both experienced and first-time readers alike. Practical Augmented Reality is worth reading not only for its wealth of data and research, but also for its insights into the markets and opportunities ahead of us. If you have an interest in this exciting new technology, this is a must-have resource and an enjoyable exploration into this brave new world.”

—Roy Taylor Corporate Vice President for Content and Technology, AMD (Advanced Micro Devices)

“Steven Aukstakalnis stands on the ever-changing edge of the virtual and augmented reality world. Drawing from a rich history in the industry, he is able to share a clear understanding of the technologies, products, and ideas that will reshape the way we work and play. May the knowledge he shares empower you to help create a truly fantastic new future!”

From the Publisher