ASSIGNMENT3

ASSIGNMENT 3 - PROJECT PROPOSAL

With the final assignment I wish to further explore concepts of Augmented Reality.
The two main concepts within the overall AR project umbrella I wish to focus on is the notion of AR scale and AR real vs fictional world.

Proposed location before ....

Location shot in AR view

AR Scale is an exploration in using markers firstly in real world and secondly on a much smaller scale. The ideas to be explored relate to how AR technology is and can be used in architectural / marketing and presentation areas. Firstly the large scale – where markers printed on A1 or A0 sheets would be placed in chosen locations and pre-made virtual models associated with them. I am keen to explore the notion of scaling virtual objects in real world

Proposed use in Real Estate / development roles - before view

Development view in AR mode

The markers would ideally be mounted onto backing MDF / Plywood material as shown in diagrams bellow. I see this technology being used in the future perhaps for more “realistic” live walk-through , aid in assessing development applications, marketing purposes. General public with the use of mobile phones would be able to study “proposed” developments in more detail – beyond the beautiful photo / artistic montages of only few chosen “money shot” views.

Idea of a development sites of future ..

Large scale marker ideas to be explored ...

Idea ofAR markers being used for sales office purposes

The sub-idea of a smaller scale – is the idea in exploring how architects can use the AR technology to sell clients the projects. To expand is contrast the idea of models – both physical and virtual – and explore where both are going. Exploration in using i-pad technology and animated markers to created more richer presentations.

The second area of interest – that relates to the first point, is to examine AR use in not only architecture – but explore its role / potentials in artistic world / expression. To go beyond “virtual” sculptures – but to compose AAR – artistic augmented reality. Try to perhaps emulate as a starting point – works of painter Jeffrey Smart – where the urban form is a dominant force. The aim is to find a series of unique locations – where objects could be AR supperimposed onto – perhaps to contrast, perhaps to blend. The idea of “sales offices” using AR technology to show the m₂ of air in sky that is on offer for buyers – but not using AR for sales purposes.

Jeffrey Smart painting

Possible AR test site on Parramatta road in Camberdown

The goal outcome is to produce a short video demonstrating the technology in use and also the processes explored.

GETTING STARTED.....

CONCEPT SKETCHES

POSSIBLE FIELD AR

ST.PETERS BRICKWORX?

OR LOCATIONS AT UNSW?

STORYBOARDS AND CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT .....

RED CENTRE / MAIN WALK

LIBRARY LAWN ....

OLD MAIN BUILDING LAWN

FIELD TESTING....

Good location - pleanty of space to experiment with both vertical and horizontal AR scaling (along ground plane and in perspective). Strong sunlight make it difficult setting up the scenes - as each scene needs to be set up on spot and fine tuned. Glare generated make it sometimes impossible to see the compositions and settings.

Experimenting on overcast day, AR model seems to be 'unsettled' - moving. Weekend timing seems ideal - especially along a busy traffic path where people will unavoidably obstruct the markers. People standing near and moving part of the composition is great benefit - to add scale and realism to the AR composition - in the same way as on an architectural drawing / plan

Experimenting with flat ground markers. Some goor footage generated, people walking add another dimmension of realism to the scene. Could the markers be projected onto a surface instead of printed surfaces? seems to work screen based as demonstrated previously.........

PRESENTATION OF IDEAS

A MULTI-USE PRESENTATION STAND. COULD BE USED WITH PRINTED AND SCREEN BASED MARKERS (I-PAD). HORIZONTAL AND VERTICAL USE - AND ROTATION 360 OF MARKERS BASE. BASIC BREAKDOWN OF COMPONENTS, DIAGRAM SHOWING ASSEMBLY AND USE IN HORIZONTAL AND VERTICAL APPLICATIONS

CUT AND LAMINATED PLYWOOD PIECES - CHOSEN MATERIAL. THE PLYWOOD EDGE (LAMINATED LAYERS) HAS A NICE CONTEMPORARY AND NATURAL LOOK AND FEEL

DISPLAY STAND IN VERTICAL POSITION.LEFT SIDE - EXPERIMENTS WITH TIMBER STAIN AND FINISHES - NATURAL vs TAN. BEYOND IN BACKGROUND - THE TOP PLATE AND 8cm X 8cm PAPER MARKERS ADAPTOR

DETAIL OF FINISH EXPERIMENTS - LEFT - NATURAL, MIDDLE - NEUTRAL AND RIGHT - TANNED FINISHES. FINISH CHOSEN - TAN, WITH NATURAL FOR 'HIGHLIGHT AREAS' AND 'CONTROLS/ COMPONENTS'

OLD SKOOL INPIRATION ......

Czechoslovakian filmaker Karel Zeman addapted a number of Jules Vernes' novels into movies betwen 1948 and 1980's. Using sheer trick cinema / photography - the results i think are absolutly amazing and unique. I like the non-polished look (that often is associated with computer based animation) and the interaction of actors with sets (all before green screen technology was developed.