Disney's Magic Bench lets you play with Augmented Reality characters
Disney Research has created a "Magic Bench" that lets you interact with all kinds of funny animated animals using Augmented Reality. Welcome to the future!
Augmented reality uses a technique in which computer generated images (CGI) are placed in the real world. But unlike most augmented reality or virtual reality implementations, the Magic Bench lets you meet the friendly digital animals without having to put on a VR headset or any other handheld device. This makes it also possible to enjoy augmented reality with friends.
See the bench in action in the video below:
People sitting on the bench see a mirrored image on a large TV screen in front of them. The display is equipped with an RGB camera and a depth sensor making a 3D image of the people sitting on the bench. The system 'knows' exactly how deeply the animation should be displayed. Move your hand before or behind the animals and the same will happen on the screen. Users can not only see and hear the funny characters, but also feel them through haptic feedback. Four small vibrators underneath the bench trigger vibrations to give users the sensation that the animals are really present.
As shown in the video, it is possible to interact with the animated characters. This guy receives a ball from an elephant.
More info:
https://www.disneyresearch.com/publication/magic-bench/
I went to Disney World in 1996, I remember because I only threw out the T-shirt with 96' on it, last year, and there was a ride, not sure the name, maybe 'the haunted house' were towards the end of the ride you face a mirror and you see that someone is sitting next to you. Scared the crap out of me.
Couldnt interact like you can in this video.
The Haunted House ride is much older. The first Haunted House attraction opened in Disneyland in 1969. Here is an article about it. http://disney.wikia.com/wiki/The_Haunted_Mansion_Disneyland Nice to meet you @fiveboringgames
You can do pretty much the same with a Play Station 4 if you have the PS camera, at home on your couch. Since 2 years or so already. And now with a VR headset its even more amazing, because you then dont see yourself on a TV screen, but you are right in the middle of the action.
@penguinpablo very interestingly
I would also like to have a bank for my grandchildren
Get out of town!!
i hope i can find one of these near me, because this would be amazing
has anyone else seen the augumented reality roller coaster that makes it seem like youre in a winter wonderland ? its incredible
Amazing. What will they think of next?
@penguinpablo You would be surprised about how humans and technology have evolved over the years! what a bench)))
wow great technology.. cannot imagine what will happened to our future children
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How long do you think is taking to do it?