Unlocking the Advantages: AR & MR
April 19, 2024 - Natalie Waters
Comparing Applications: AR vs. MR
Augmented reality is defined as an overlay of digital content to the real world. The digital overlays are not anchored to nor do they interact with the real world. When looking at the virtuality continuum, or scale between the real physical world and a fully digital world, AR falls fairly close to the side of the real physical world.
Mixed reality blends the real physical and digital worlds. The digital overlays interact with the physical world in terms of space and mobility. Mixed reality experiences will change depending on the input from the real world environment. Users will be able to both see and interact with the real world and digital elements. On the scale of the virtuality continuum, MR covers the center of the scale.
Photo credit - interaction-design.org
MR in neuroscience
Empowered Brain, created by Brain Power, LLC, is a neuroscience based MR technology that is designed to aid children and adults on the autism spectrum. It is designed to give users feedback, similar to that of a video game. Areas targeted include repetitive speech and motor behaviors, cognitive interactions, and conversational skills. For example, one of the applications is a two person game where it tests the user on emotional facial expressions and cues. Users can practice and track their progress and improvement.
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Educating climate change
WWF Free Rivers is a mixed reality experience application that creates an entire ecosystem of free flowing rivers in the user’s room. The purpose of this app is to simulate and educate people about climate effects and trickle down effects of not keeping rivers free flowing and protected. The target audience is aimed at the general public to increase awareness about these topics. After finding a flat surface in your home to be the base of your virtual world, the game simulates an environment and gives you a bird’s eye view of what is happening. The game is meant to also teach how to sustainably develop land.
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MR/AR in structural building design
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MR/AR functionalities are being overlaid with BIM (building information modeling) data to create the ability of overlaying a building’s structural details onto the physical construction site. Benefits of this include a better visualization of the finished project, improving collaboration, and aiding in safety measures. By creating realistic simulations, the site can be more aware of any potential safety hazards that may come along in the project, and help workers to be better prepared for any instances they may encounter.
Opportunities in market research
Augmented reality is becoming a beneficial factor in market research. Companies can use this technology for concept testing, such as testing new branding, packaging, or advertising, to gather data on what best resonates with their target audience. It can also be used for consumer feedback to gather real-time data on a physical product. By creating interactive displays in physical stores, companies can gather data on what most engages the consumers, and the amount of time spent on different features.
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New on the medical front
AR and MR have created new learning tools on the surgical front. Using an augmented reality headset, a patient’s CT scans can be viewed in overlay of the patient as surgery is performed. This can help with accuracy and save time from having to look at a separate screen. MR has also been used to create a hands free setting to conversate with patients. Doctors can view a patient’s chart and medical information through MR technology, while in the room with the patient.
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AccuVein is a laser-based scanner that uses AR technology to project an image onto the skin and make it easier for healthcare workers to locate a vein. The laser detects the heat signature of a patient’s veins, and converts that into the AR image. The use of AccuVein significantly increases the first attempt success rate, and reduces both the pain and time for an IV procedure.
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Not all beneficial? Potential ethical or safety risks
One of the major issues with new technologies is the lack of legal precedent that comes with this ever growing and evolving industry. Law-making requires precise information, and with new technologies, the data is often variable and differing on a case-by-case scenario. Even defining the difference between the various XR experiences has not been settled on. This makes enforceable laws and investigations difficult to maintain without having a set foundation on where boundaries lie in this industry.
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Concerns about mental and social side effects are being observed. This is one area where a lot more research needs to be done before we can have any realistic idea about the effects these new technologies can have on people. Without proper studies or prevention, it can lead to increased risk or depression, depersonalization of the human being, addiction, or reality distortion. These concerns are especially prominent in children using XR technologies, who are more susceptible to the difficulties in distinguishing between what is real and what is virtual.
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