While WebRTC (real-time communications) has grabbed headlines as of late with what it can do when embedded into browsers such as Chrome or Firefox, its potential applications are even more exciting, particularly in the realm of “augmented reality,” considered to be one of next great computing frontiers.
Webrtcworld recently spoke with Rob Manson, CEO and cofounder of buildAR, which bills itself as the world's first AR (augmented reality) Content Management System (AR-CMS). Since its launch in 2009, thousands of people from all over the world have created augmented reality content using buildAR's interface. Today, buildAR has been adopted by people throughout the education and training, advertising, arts and culture, entertainment and government sectors.
In a few months, the company plans to release the first full Augmented Web solution using WebRTC for the buildAR.com platform. Augmented Web is described as the new generation of the Web, enhanced by a combination of html5, Web Audio, WebGL and WebRTC technologies. Some of the company’s technology will be on display at the upcoming WebRTC Conference & Expo, which will take place in Santa Clara, California from November 19 to 21.
In a recent interview, Manson told Webrtcworld that his company’s focus today is on how WebRTC is the key to unlocking the Augmented Web.
“When you combine all of the post-HTML5 technologies including WebRTC/DataChannels and WebGL, plus all the sensors, then it becomes possible to build a whole new generation of Web application,” he said. “Because of the beauty of Web-based standards we've been able to get this whole technology stack working on the Google Glass platform, too. This has allowed us to visualize four really useful ‘world first’ scenarios using Glass.”
These scenarios include:
Look to search. Users can simply look at an object or image to run a visual search that finds related information. The visual search system is provided by Catchoom, and buildAR has already built production applications on this platform that have easily supported over one million searchable images.
Shared point-of-view collaboration with a remote expert. Users can allow an expert to reach into their point-of-view, highlighting important things the user is seeing and drawing information onto the user’s local screen.
Multi-screen collaboration in team meetings and classrooms. Users can easily throw information from their personal screen onto a large shared screen and use their mobile device as a pointer or controller in this shared virtual space.
Telepresence with a remote drone. Thanks to the new application, Google Glass users will be able to project their presence into another place and see the world through the eyes of a flying drone.
“This combination of Web-based standards including WebRTC has allowed us to quickly implement solutions that are difficult if not impossible with other technology stacks,” noted Manson.
For more information about buildAR or to register for WebRTC Conference & Expo, visit http://www.webrtcworld.com/conference/west/.
Edited by
Blaise McNamee
