Augmentify

Scientists at MIT have revealed a clever new method of detecting markers, to appear in SIGGRAPH 2009. The method could potentially replace standard barcodes, QR codes, and even RFIDs, for certain applications. The new method takes advantage of the bokeh (literally “fuzzy” in Japanese) effect, to cram a few thousand bits into just a 3mm space, including angular information. Current AR markers are a few inches square.

Bokeh implementation by MIT

It works by taking a camera lense out of focus (more details in the original paper). No special equipment is required. In theory even a cellphone camera works, although currently this is only true for short distances (under a few inches). Regular camera such as SLRs can capture the data from several tens of feet away.

So what impact will the Bokode have on augmented reality?

• The Bokode tracks better than traditional markers, particularly for angles. Consult the paper for details, but a graph of accuracy in comparison to ARtoolkit looks very promising. In other words, more accurate placement and movement of virtual objects, which should improve the somewhat jumpy experience we have now. Current markers are an inch or two square, the Bokode is a few millimeters circle, meaning a far less intrusive representation in reality.
• The Bokode is line of sight. This is in some ways a limitation (as compared to RFID), but also has an interesting property – privacy. Most people balk at the idea of having an RFID permanently on their person, and some even actively disable them. Having a line of sight marker means that applications such as Augmented ID by TAT may not be quite as scary, as you could easily turn off your virtual presence.
• Bokodes can carry a fair bit of data. Yes, QR codes could also do this, but it’s hard to imagine QR codes becoming ubiquitous -they’re just too big, too intrusive. Bokodes are almost invisible, so there could literally be a plethora of tagged objects in the environment. Because the data (such as a lat/long) is embedded in the object itself, no slow network lookups are required against a unique ID. By means of trite example, every time your portable computer spotted a Bokode attached to a shop, it could know exactly where you are, without the need for GPS, and simultaneously display the specials inside.

The potential applications for Bokodes are vast (consult the MIT paper for a good overview), but augmented reality should be a substantial benefactor.