June 13, 2005. Copyright 2005, Graphic News. All rights reserved

The computer games that get you out more
By Mark Rutter

LONDON, June 13, Graphic News: If you are impressed by the graphics and realism of recent computer games, then youÕll be blown away by the latest technology. Whereas virtual reality allows the user to enter a computer-generated environment, Ôaugmented realityÕ or AR games enable players to move through real physical surroundings while interacting with superimposed computer-generated images. The AR games currently under development are a quantum leap from the most state of the art game on sale at the moment.

Players taking part in AR games move around real locations wearing a transparent head-mounted display that consists of a wrap-around visor. This allows them to see the real world and computer-generated graphics together, with the necessary computer equipment carried in a backpack. The location of those involved in the game is tracked using global positioning satellite (GPS) technology linked to a wireless local network. Bluetooth technology can be applied to real objects to bring them into the game. Early problems encountered by developers have included difficulty getting the required millimetre accuracy from GPS systems and losing track of players near tall structures, although this has been overcome to some extent by using digital compasses.

Several AR games are at an advanced testing stage. An AR version of PacMan - a classic arcade game played by millions in the 1980s which involves moving a tiny character around a maze to try to find and eat cookies, while evading pursuing ghosts - is being developed by Dr Adrian Cheok and a team of eight researchers at the National University of Singapore. In the AR version, players can choose to be either PacMan or a ghost that tries to catch him. Computer-generated cookies can be eaten by a player walking through them, while blue tooth is fitted to some real objects hidden around the game area that can be collected to give a player extra powers. In addition, the AR game permits ÔhelpersÕ - people to be linked to a game through the Internet - to take part by aiding either the PacMan or the ghosts. Another well-advanced AR project is underway at the University of Southern Australia, where scientists are trying to produce an AR version of Quake, the popular game which involves players trying to shoot monsters.

At present, AR technology is far too expensive to mass produce for the games consumer market. However, apart from its entertainment potential, there are other, more serious, reasons for developing it which would justify the costs. The team developing AR PacMan is funded by the military in Singapore, who see applications for the technology in warfare. One possible use would be tracking soldiers and equipment on the battlefield. A central command position could process this information and feed it back visually to personnel on the ground. Another application is in virtual construction, allowing you to view and walk around planned buildings before they are built. AR technology also holds out much promise for medicine. It might assist or train surgeons in carrying out complicated procedures, or could even be used in exposure therapy to treat certain phobias.
/ENDS