Black technology is also retro, flashlight can become an AR interface

Our exploration of AR technology has reached its limit. In front of the iPhone's beauty shot, our face seems to look good, but all the possibilities to change the world - the promise that AR can add a new digital interface to our analog world - is still elusive. Many people believe that with the launch of "Magic Leap" or "Hololens", AR will develop rapidly. But perhaps it implies that we need another AR that can be used as a replacement for “smart glasses”.

Lumen is a creative app, it is an AR flashlight that is easy to use. Targeting it to any object, whether it's scissors, board or stereo, Lumen provides relevant information, from simple annotated charts (such as parts that label boards) to fully interactive controls (for example, allowing you to turn stereo on or off) Change the song).

Lumen was designed and built by Arvind Sanjeev, a student designed and built by the Copenhagen Institute for Interactive Design, in just 10 weeks. It is equipped with a depth sensor camera and object recognition algorithm to identify what you are looking at. It is combined with a projector that intelligently illuminates objects and wraps pixels on any particular 3D object, just like a custom digital jacket.

Sangeev said: "I believe that unlike traditional headphone isolation, Lumen can support collaborative immersive learning by allowing more people to experience the same real-world scenarios without headphones."

Combine these technologies to create more social features on the AR interface and combine them in a retro flashlight to perfect the perfect user experience. Especially when compared to oversized smartphones, the flashlight is comfortable to hold - no explanation for Lumen's gestures - just aim at what you want to "illuminate". What you point to, you can see what.

It is true that Lumen has a big practical disadvantage. Because you have to hold it in your hand, you can use it with one hand. Imagine Lumen suddenly getting out of control in your garage. How bad it is. It projects the repair instructions onto the engine of your car, leaving you alone to repair the transmission. But as a tool to explore the new environment, it is full of poetry, isn't it? Lumen is the light that symbolizes knowledge in your hands.

Sanjeev is not the only designer of the flashlight. NewDealDesign has designed the first Lytro camera with the same shape. Local Projects has a project closer to Lumen AR: Jake Barton's team is helping to develop the Faith&Liberty Discovery Center in Philadelphia, where you can interact with similar digital lanterns to explore a variety of exhibits. After trying, I can assure you that this concept works perfectly.

Of course, maybe Lumen will not hinder the emergence of AR glasses. The idea is in line with basic ergonomics, suitable for people who are looking for a comfortable life, freeing our hands and respecting the space we live in. If we don't explore it, it will be a shame, because we will simply put a digital screen on our eyes. This is why Sanjeev wants to see his project continue.

Sanjeev said: "I am trying to find a way to turn Lumen into a real consumer platform, and I hope to see it used by developers for education and entertainment. I also plan to rethink existing design and form factors. Lumen is more ergonomic. "Although it is difficult to achieve, it does not mean that he will give up the glamorous flashlight aesthetics of the 1980s.