Software: iPhoto, Layar, Photoshop

During the weekly workshops we explored the capabilities of augmented reality technology in theory and practice using the applications Layer, Creator and Junaio. We learned how to apply images with transparency, audio, videos and 3D objects (e.g. aerostats, 3D fishes, etc.) using image recognition, QR codes and location coordinates. We also experimented with emerging technologies and projection mapping in 3D space and learned how to generate concept ideas for both technologies. My first idea was to use photography and digital manipulation for the implementation of my augmented reality project. I used iPhoto to edit some pictures that I took with an iPod Touch camera. The first photo shows a broken bridge with a “1977” effect applied, in which I was planning to place a ghost. The other picture is a tree in some kind of lake with grass. I applied painting effect and I modified the colours. The concept idea for this picture was the existence of animal life through a painting, supporting the possibility of any artistic creation to be reality in a parallel universe. I was thinking to use the application Creator for making 3D birds coming out from the canvas. Finally I decided to make something even more artistic by taking advantage of the free lynda.com membership provided by the university for learning how to create digital drawings in Photoshop. The digital drawing I created shows a kid who lost a family member, that can been seen using augmented reality technology. The idea is about a parallel universe somewhere in between our world and another (e.g. heaven), supporting the idea of life after death. The possibility of some human spirits stuck in the transition stage and can not leave our world because of unfinished business, something that keeps their soul here. Those ghosts may have created a universe based on memories from their life, this can includes moments, objects or even other human figures. Initially, I created a rough drawing of my idea and then I improved it in new layers. In order to make it more realistic I created some perspective lines using the path tool which helped me improve my draft in to sketch. The next step and most time consuming was the shadowing that transformed the sketch in to drawing. Then, I created the human skeletons and I followed the same steps. In this point I was looking how to present the ghost using augmented reality. Firstly I tried to apply an image with transparency, it was looking good but I wanted to make something more impressive. So, I used Final Cut Pro X to create an effect that makes the ghost show and then disappear in some kind of interference. I exported the video in MP4 file and I uploaded it on Dropbox. On Layar I created a new campaign and I uploaded the JPEG file of the digital drawing and finally I placed the MP4 video of the ghost using the link of Dropbox.

This textbook is an essential guide for gaining the basic programming skills needed to create mobile apps that using augmented reality technology in various mobile operating systems. The book introduces the leading augmented reality browser platforms including Wikitude, Layar, and Junaio by showing how to build location based content from the start to finish, in order to display POIs (points of interest) through the camera view of mobile devices, such as content creation (e.g. 2D, 3D, audio, video, etc.), content storing and automatic actions when the user approaches a POI. It also suggests source codes and explains how to edit them as well as other reading resources for further development. The book is supported by professionals through Wrox forum. This book is particularly helpful for understanding the technical and practical requirements of augmented reality apps as well as the fundamentals of its terminology.

• Brian Greene (2012) The Hidden Reality: Parallel Universes and the Deep Laws of the Cosmos [Paperback], Penguin