Spatial augmented reality (AR) is a technology that merges the real and virtual worlds by super-imposing computer-generated content onto surfaces using one or more digital projectors. An office chair that supports personal spatial AR has been designed by researchers from Canada’s University of Waterloo Cheriton School of Computer Science. Researchers incorporated capacitive sensors into the chair's armrests for touch input, while the back can detect tilt and rotation via an accelerometer; the seat and backrest can read seated postures and leg position with force-sensitive resistors. A depth camera tracks chair position and office surfaces while battery-powered computers process data and determine projector output, and a right-side servo-actuated pan/tilt head directs the projection of digital content.
With the chair now instrumented, the team explored 11 demonstration applications in a typical office to evaluate their proof-of-concept system. A survey found that respondents understood the purpose of the 11 applications clearly but were split on their perceived usefulness. Spatial augmented reality that supported tasks, reduced eye strain, served as reminders, and prompted deep-breathing exercises were seen as particularly useful. The survey also provided insight on certain applications, such as working with tools at a desk, where the instrumented chair projects a video tutorial on the wall to aid the user. These findings could be used to dive deeper into specific uses and augment them further to make the applications more compelling.
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