Invited Talk by Prof. Tobias Höllerer (Ph.D.)
Abstract:
Personal computing and the user interfaces that define our computer experiences are in transition. While most office computing is locked in to the traditional 2D Desktop paradigm, we are witnessing several developments of change in personal and mobile computing: the personal desktop is experiencing a 3D graphics makeover, cameras have become commonplace communication and input devices for a lively web 2.0 community, and mobile platforms with innovative interfaces are entering the market. Newly established computing practice and patterns suggest several amendments to the original vision of ubiquitous computing.
In this talk, I will discuss the central goals and requirements of an AR version of ubiquitous computing: "Anywhere Augmentation" is a powerful ubiquitous user interface, making augmented reality (AR) overlays readily and directly available in any situation and location. Instead of embedding computing and display equipment in the environment, graphical annotations are overlaid on top of the environment by means of optical see-through glasses or video overlay. Robust registration between the physical world and the augmentations is necessary. Current approaches rely on the availability of a 3D model of the environment or on its instrumentation with active or passive markers. However, AR will only become truly ubiquitous if these requirements are relaxed. I will outline an approach that focuses on three key components to bring about our vision:
1) empower the human in the loop with tools to easily browse, manipulate, and author information,
2) use computer vision as a supporting modality, constraining user input to keep augmented reality on track, and
3) exploit various GIS data sources that are becoming universally available, and grow a user-supported web of volunteered location-based information around it.
Biography:
Tobias Höllerer is an Associate Professor of Computer Science at the University of California, Santa Barbara, where he co-directs the Four Eyes Laboratory, conducting research in the four I's of Imaging, Interaction, and Innovative Interfaces. Dr. Höllerer holds a graduate degree in informatics from the Technical University of Berlin and an MS and
PhD? in computer science from Columbia University. He is a recipient of the National Science Foundation's CAREER award, for his work on "Anywhere Augmentation", which enables mobile computer users to place annotations in 3D space wherever they go. Dr. Höllerer is a principal investigator on the UCSB Allosphere project, designing and utilizing display and interaction technologies for a three-story surround-view immersive situation room. Dr. Höllerer has published more than 70 international journal and conference papers in the areas of augmented and virtual reality, information visualization, 3D displays and interaction, mobile and wearable computing, and adaptive user interfaces.
