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Syllabus: General Studies Paper 3

Context:

Facebook has released its first “smart glasses” in association with Ray-Ban.

Background:

• Facebook’s first ‘smart’ glasses capitalise on the iconic Wayfarer design that has been associated with the iconic eyewear brand. 
• Facebook’s smart glasses will let users record the world around them, and take pictures. 
• For now, users can record 30-second videos or take photos by using either the capture button or going hands-free with Facebook Assistant voice commands.
• Facebook’s glasses also come with built-in “open-ear speakers” and a three-microphone audio array, which will ensure that users can take calls as well.
• According to Facebook, these glasses can capture and sync up to 50 videos or up to 200 photos per full charge. 

Augmented Reality

• Augmented Reality (AR) is the technology that superimposes an image onto a user’s view of the real world and enhances it with sound, touch, and even smell. It is a combination of the real scene viewed by the user and a virtual scene generated by the computer. AR is a technology that is going to blur the lines of reality.
• Augmented Reality has moved beyond headsets and gaming and permeated into numerous industries. In general terms, Augmented Reality is increasingly being adopted for a variety of uses like assembly, maintenance, repair, education, training, retail showcasing, and diagnostics.
• AR makes workers more efficient by providing them with an additional layer of knowledge and insights. The workforce is already being enhanced in industries such as Pharmaceuticals, Oil and Gas, military, aerospace, automotive, and manufacturing. Augmented Reality remote assistance can improve training in situations where new hires need assistance. This tech enables real-time collaboration between field personnel and remote experts.

Applications of Augmented Reality

Defence

It helps in improving the situational awareness of the soldiers using AR technology. The tech is named Tactical Augmented Reality (TAR). This tech has an eyepiece that assists soldiers on the battlefield to precisely locate their positions in addition to the location of others (friends and enemy soldiers).

Impact of this technology

• TAR will one day replace night vision goggles, as this technology can help soldiers in the dark.
• It will replace the handheld GPS that soldiers carry today to locate their positions.
• The eyepiece is wirelessly connected to a thermal site on the soldiers’ rifle or carbine. When the soldier is pointing the weapon, the image of the target, plus other details, such as the distance to the target can be seen through the eyepiece.

Advertising

For example, Jaguar Land Rover put prospective car buyers in the virtual driver’s seat of its latest models without visiting the dealership. Consumers could launch the AR capability directly from a banner ad without any need to install an app. Customers can see the outside view seated at the driving seat through transparent windows.

Healthcare

Traditionally handheld ultrasound scanners are used in reconstruction surgery for locating blood vessels, and bones. However, AR technology has the potential to replace ultrasound scanners as it will help in locating the blood vessels very accurately and in a shorter period.

Pharmaceuticals

Augmented Reality tools can help scientists to picture the structure of complex molecules. Drug developers usually work with static models. The AR will help the developers to step inside the molecule and see how it moves and responds to different stimuli and situations. This will reduce errors and reduce the years-long drug development cycle.

Logistics

AR will benefit logistics industries at multiple levels of their operations.

• Optimizing warehouse operations
• Optimizing transportation
• Last-mile delivery
• Enhanced value-added services

Other applications of Augmented Reality

• Various filters on Snapchat and Instagram are an example of Augmented Reality.
• Scanning your QR code using your phone’s camera provides additional information on the screen.
• Google Glass and other Head-up Displays (HUD) put Augmented Reality directly into the glasses. These glasses could be used as reminders for patients undergoing medication.
• Retail companies use it to help customers envisage aesthetics when new furniture is placed to redesign the interiors of their homes.
• Gaming – Pokemon is one of the most famous games to hit a big chord with the public.
• AR is used in the field of language translation
• Law enforcement agencies can use AR tech to recognize criminals in huge crowds.
• If a car breaks down people can fix their cars using AR tech, repair and maintenance can be carried out without the help of mechanics. This tech will recognize the vehicle parts via object recognition, describe and picture all required repair and maintenance steps in detail, and in real-time, along with information about any equipment requirements.

The Indian Express Link:

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/facebook-ray-ban-stories-smart-glasses-explained-7501377/

Question: What is augmented reality? Enumerate different applications regarding augmented reality?