[From DigInfo TV, where the post includes a 2:07 minute video; animated gifs of the system are available from Oddly_Even]

Interact with virtual characters in the real world

November 7, 2013

This mixed reality interface [called MARIO: Mid-air Augmented Reality Interaction with Objects] places virtual characters in the real world. It was developed by the Naemura Lab at the University of Tokyo.

Users can have an animated character jump onto their hand, as well as guide the character onto blocks, creating a novel interactive experience.

“Recently, devices have been developed that can form images in mid-air. We’ve utilized one of those, and combined it with sensors and a projector, to provide an intuitive display experience where a picture in the air is skillfully merged with the real world.”… read more. “‘Mid-air’ AR system lets users interact with virtual characters in the real world”

[From C1, the Condition One blog; view a 3:57 minute interactive video demo and download ‘showcase’ apps here]

Announcing Zero Point: The first 3D 360 movie for virtual reality

November 13, 2013

We’re excited to announce that we are in development with Zero Point, the first movie shot in 3D, 360 degree video optimized for the Oculus Rift head mounted display. In the film, we follow the pioneers of virtual reality; the researchers and developers creating an entirely new digital dimension. From combat training simulations at the Department of Defense, to research labs at Stanford, to indie game developers and hackers, this immersive video experience will bring viewers into the future of virtual reality.… read more. “Zero Point: The first 3D 360 movie for virtual reality”

[An American Heart Association press release; follow the link for additional audio and video materials]

‘Virtual reality hands’ may help stroke survivors recover hand function

Study Highlights:

• Scientists used brain-computer interface technology to help stroke survivors use their minds to power “virtual reality hands” to help regain the use of their arms and hands.
• The technology offers hope of recovery to stroke survivors and others who have lost mobility and control of their arms and hands.

DALLAS, Nov. 17, 2013 — “Virtual reality hands” — controlled by stroke survivors’ thoughts — could help them recover use of their hands and arms, according to a small study presented at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions 2013.

“Using a brain-computer interface, we’ve created an environment where people who may be too physically impaired to move can practice mental imagery to help regain use of their arms and hands,” said Alexander Doud, M.S.,… read more. “‘Virtual reality hands’ may help stroke survivors recover hand function”

[From Forbes]

The New Matterport 3D Camera Could Change Reality As You Know It

11/17/2013
Elise Ackerman, Contributor

A few weeks ago I slipped on an Oculus Rift headset and visited the future of virtual reality. In a millisecond, I was transported from a drab office park in Mountain View, CA to the middle of a showcase home in Portola Valley, CA  that had been rendered as a life-size model by the Matterport 3D Camera.

It was the closest I’m likely to get to teleportation. The details of my immediate surroundings were completely replaced by the virtual world. Using a keypad, I could move around and explore the home’s nooks and crannies at my leisure.

I floated through the kitchen, admiring the ash wood floors, the marble countertops and the built-in stone hearth. In the next room, the dining room table was set for six.… read more. “Matterport 3D camera system ‘closest likely to get to teleportation’”

[From Slate’s Future Tense blog, where the post includes the two video clips mentioned]

[Image: A telepresence robot in The Good Wife. Still from The Good Wife copyright CBS.]

More Proof That The Good Wife Is the Best Technology Show on TV

By Torie Bosch

Robots don’t usually show up on TV unless it’s to ruin civilization—or unless the show is set hundreds of years in the future. And they’re usually sophisticated machines (Futurama’s Bender’s taste in booze notwithstanding).

But on CBS last night, a robot took a bold roll forward—into a door.

In the fifth-season premiere of The Good Wife, the halls of the law firm Lockhart/Gardner were stalked by a somewhat inept telepresence robot, a machine intended to be a physical avatar for someone working remotely. According to the Twitter account of the show’s writers, “Everyone loved it on the set.… read more. “Tech including telepresence robot on CBS series “The Good Wife””