Augmented reality



Augmented reality is yet a further step in this development process: With this kind of man / machine interaction, the user `sees` context-related information derived from the object considered right in front of him in his line of vision. Wearing special glasses, a mechanic, for example, is able to see information helping him in his work. This may be maintenance and repair instructions as well as the presentation of actual data for a comparison with the related target data. If, say, the mechanic is required to screw in a bolt, arrows will start to rotate in front of his eyes at exactly the right point. The entire process is controlled by a microphone and voice recognition, a small videocamera on the frame of the user's glasses observing the right position of the components during installation. The image provided by the camera may also be fed to a remote expert able, even from a distance, to give the local user the information he requires in his work. Augmented and virtual reality are trendsetting technologies in which BMW`s Development Division plays a decisive role also through joint ventures in research and development.


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