Janak Parekh
08-17-2004, 11:00 PM
<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://dbs.cordis.lu/cgi-bin/srchidadb?CALLER=NHP_EN_NEWS&ACTION=D&SESSION=&RCN=EN_RCN_ID:22452' target='_blank'>http://dbs.cordis.lu/cgi-bin/srchid...EN_RCN_ID:22452</a><br /><br /></div><i>"Augmented reality may sound like a futuristic concept, but for someone carrying out complex industrial repairs or maintenance, the availability of computer generated information in their field of vision as they work offers significant advantages...However, existing examples of such technology require bulky hardware components, severely limiting their usability. In an attempt to secure a truly mobile solution, the Commission is launching a specific targeted research project called ULTRA (ultra portable augmented reality for industrial maintenance applications), under the information society technologies (IST) section of the Sixth Framework Programme (FP6)."</i><br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/parekh-20040817-AugmentedReality.jpg" /><br /><br />The European Commission is beginning a research project on integrating handheld computers in an ultra-portable augmented reality solution, unlike current (bulky) approaches. The <a href="http://www.ist-ultra.org/">project website</a> has precious few details at this point, but features the picture of an i700. ;) It'll be interesting to see if Pocket PCs play a role in this emerging research field.