Monday, May 7, 2012

Augmented Reality Sandbox Simulates Water in Real Time [VIDEO]






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In one of the coolest examples of augmented reality use we've seen, researchers at UC Davis have created an AR sandbox which overlays a real-time, virtual, colored topographic map on sand surface.


As you change the actual topography of the sandbox, creating mountains, basins and riverbeds, a Kinect 3D camera combined with a projector overlay it with a virtual layer of visual information, including flowing water which adheres to the terrain configuration you've created.

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It works in real time, meaning you can -- for example -- connect a body of water and a dry basin with a channel and see it fill with water.


The project is powered by a PC with an Intel Core i7 CPU and a Geforce 580, with the GPU doing most of the heavy work.


The final goal for the project is to create a self-contained AR system which could be used for educational purposes, for example as an exhibit in science museums.


How do you like this idea? Can you imagine any other uses for this technology? Sound off in the comments.


This story originally published on Mashable here.



Source & Image : Yahoo

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