Virtual And Augmented Reality Research Articles

Interactive Human 3D Model with Conventional AI

Abstract: The convergence of interactive human 3D models with conventional artificial intelligence (AI) represents a groundbreaking fusion of computer graphics and intelligent systems. This interdisciplinary field combines advanced 3D modeling techniques with classical AI methodologies to create interactive virtual representations of humans. Rigorous studies in 3D modeling and animation form the basis for lifelike avatars, while conventional AI empowers these models with the ability to understand user inputs, make contextually relevant decisions, and engage in dynamic and responsive interactions. At the heart of this innovation is the emphasis on human-computer interaction (HCI), leveraging principles such as gesture recognition, voice commands, and user-friendly interfaces to enhance user experiences. The integration extends into virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR), providing users with immersive and engaging environments where interactive 3D human models come to life. Applications of this technology span a wide array of fields, including virtual companionship, education, healthcare simulations, entertainment, and training scenarios. The impact is transformative, offering new possibilities for human-machine interactions and redefining traditional approaches to AI applications. However, the burgeoning field is not without challenges. Privacy concerns, ethical considerations related to realistic human representation, and the societal impact of interactive 3D models necessitate careful examination. This abstract provides a glimpse into the technical intricacies of creating lifelike models, the intelligence driving their interactive capabilities, and the broader implications for diverse applications and industries. As research and development progress, the collaboration of computer graphics and AI not only opens new avenues but also prompts a thoughtful reevaluation of the evolving relationship between humans and intelligent, interactive 3D representations.

Multimodal 5‐DOF Stretchable Electromagnetic Actuators toward Haptic Information Delivery

AbstractThe rapid advancements in artificial intelligence, particularly in the domains of robotics, prosthetics, and virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR), have driven an escalating demand for intuitive and effective human–machine interactions. Consequently, haptic devices, being electronic displays for the sense of touch, have drawn increasing attention. More efforts are in demand to develop stretchable and lightweight haptic devices that can trigger multiple mechanical cutaneous receptors using a single device. This work presents a new 3‐modal 5‐DOF stretchable haptic interface that is enabled by electromagnetic actuators and high‐fidelity multi‐layer metal printing. The haptic device renders rich haptic sensations (i.e., normal force, vibration, angular force, skin dragging) in one device, allowing for the comprehensive delivery of tactile information through the excitation of multiple cutaneous receptors. Additionally, haptic devices are designed to be compact, lightweight, and skin‐compatible. The skin‐like softness and stretchability enable intimate skin contact, which is crucial for efficient haptic information delivery. This feature prevents the impediment to natural movements of the skin and ensures the functional integrity of the device during daily deformations of the skin. Finally, three proof‐of‐concept demonstrations illustrate the potential of the reported multimodal haptic devices for advanced haptic interactions across various domains.

Fabrication and Characterization of Pneumatic Unit Cell Actuators

In the realm of virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR) and teleoperation applications, haptic feedback plays a role in enhancing task performance. One of the main goals of this study is to simplify haptic device hardware while improving its capacity to provide various stimuli at different intensities. In response to these challenges, this research introduces the Pneumatic Unit Cell (PUC), a soft pneumatically driven device—a hollow silicone cylinder with the ability to provide both static-pressure and vibrotactile feedback. Furthermore, the Pneumatic Unit Cell’s design simplicity has the potential for scalability, modularity, and the flexibility to mount the device on any part of the human body. The focus of the current paper is to study PUCs as actuators and lay the foundation for future perceptual studies. The characterization studies encompass the fabrication and verification of the fabrication accuracy through dimensional measurements, characterizing PUCs under static-pressure conditions (measuring the free deflection and blocking force) and frequency conditions (measuring the free deflection). In the static-pressure conditions, we applied pressures ranging from 0 to 40 kPa to measure the free deflection and from 0 to 30 kPa to measure the blocking force. In the frequency conditions, we applied pressures of 10, 20, and 30 kPa with inflation/deflation rates varying between 0.5 Hz and 100 Hz. The measurements of free deflection under static-pressure conditions revealed that 0.9 mm and 1.2 mm PUCs exhibit a linear increase in free deflection with an increase in inflation pressure. The results of free-deflection measurements under the frequency conditions indicate a direct relationship between the free-deflection magnitude and applied pressure. The results also demonstrate an inverse relationship to the frequency of inflation/deflation. The characterization results demonstrate a broad range of free deflection observed under both static-pressure and frequency conditions, encouraging the potential application of Pneumatic Unit Cell actuators as haptic devices.

Human Resource Management Analysis in the AR/VR Industry: A Case Study on Meta Company

This research paper delves into the complex landscape of human resource (HR) management within the Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality (AR/VR) industry, using Meta Company as a prime focal point. The study thoroughly examines key challenges facing the industry, including critical skill gaps, mismatches in talent demand and supply, high rates of employee turnover, and the intricacies of cross-cultural management. It delves into the various methods employed for recruitment and selection, the strategies implemented for training and development, and the initiatives taken for effective employee retention within the AR/VR industry. The findings of this study reveal that despite the unique and rapidly evolving challenges of the AR/VR landscape, deploying effective and strategic HR management can significantly enhance talent acquisition, foster skill development, and ensure successful retention of employees. This research paper contributes valuable academic and practical insights to the understanding and management of human resources in the burgeoning field of AR/VR, providing a comprehensive perspective that could potentially facilitate sustainable growth and development within the industry.

Navigating the Future Landscape of Gamified Education

Gamified education is undergoing a transformative shift, heralding a new era in the landscape of learning. This evolution is characterized by the advent of personalized learning experiences, underpinned by artificial intelligence (AI), and the seamless integration of virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR) technologies. These trends are not merely additive but are synergistically enhancing the learning experience, making it more dynamic, engaging, and effective than ever before. Personalized learning through AI is at the forefront of this transformation. AI algorithms are being leveraged to tailor educational content to the individual learner’s needs, preferences, and learning pace. This ensures that each student receives a customized learning experience that is optimized for their personal learning journey, maximizing engagement and efficacy. The integration of VR and AR technologies into gamified education is another significant trend. These technologies provide immersive learning environments that can simulate real-world scenarios or abstract concepts, thereby facilitating a deeper understanding and retention of knowledge. VR and AR make learning more interactive and enjoyable, which in turn, increases motivation and engagement among learners. Data-driven insights are playing a crucial role in the evolution of gamified education. By analyzing data on learner performance and behavior, educators can gain valuable insights into the effectiveness of teaching strategies and learning materials. This enables continuous improvement of the learning experience, ensuring that it remains relevant, engaging, and effective. Ethical considerations are paramount as gamified education continues to evolve. Issues such as privacy, data security, and equitable access to educational technologies are critical and must be addressed to ensure that gamified education benefits all learners, without compromising their rights or well-being. As technology, pedagogy, and game design converge, gamified education is evolving from a passive to an active, participatory model. This transformation empowers students to take charge of their educational journeys, offering a path to personalized, engaging, and data-driven learning experiences. The future of gamified education promises to be dynamic and inclusive, reshaping the future of learning in profound ways.

Determining the effects of AR/VR HMD design parameters (mass and inertia) on cervical spine joint torques

This study aimed to determine gravitational and dynamic torques and muscle activity of the neck across a series of design parameters of head mounted displays (mass, center of mass, and counterweights) associated with virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR). Twenty young adult participants completed five movement types (Slow and Fast Flexion/Extension and Rotation, and Search) while wearing a custom-designed prototype headset that varied the three design parameters: display mass (0, 200, 500, and 750 g), distance of the display's center of mass in front of the eyes (approximately 1, 3, and 5 cm anteriorly), and counterweights of 0, 166, 332, and 500 g to balance the display mass of 500 g at 7 cm. Inverse dynamics of a link segment model of the head and headset provided estimates of the torques about the joint between the skull and the occiput-first cervical vertebrae (OC1) and joint between the C7 and T1 vertebrae (C7). Surface electromyography (EMG) measured bilateral muscle activity of the splenius and upper trapezius muscles. Adding 750 g of display mass nearly doubled root mean square joint torques across all movement types. Increasing the distance of the display mass in front of the eyes by 4 cm increased torques about OC1 for the Slow and Fast Rotation and Search movements by approximately 20%. Adding a counterweight decreased torques about OC1 during the rotation and search tasks but did not decrease the torques experienced in the lower cervical spine (C7). For the flexion/extension axis, the magnitude of the dynamic torque component was 20% or less of the total torque experienced whereas for the rotation axis the magnitude of the dynamic torque component was greater than 50% of the total torque. Surface EMG root mean square values significantly varied across movement types with the fast rotation having the largest values; however, they did not vary significantly across the headset configurations.

Shaping the auditory peripersonal space with motor planning in immersive virtual reality

AbstractImmersive audio technologies require personalized binaural synthesis through headphones to provide perceptually plausible virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR) simulations. We introduce and apply for the first time in VR contexts the quantitative measure called premotor reaction time (pmRT) for characterizing sonic interactions between humans and the technology through motor planning. In the proposed basic virtual acoustic scenario, listeners are asked to react to a virtual sound approaching from different directions and stopping at different distances within their peripersonal space (PPS). PPS is highly sensitive to embodied and environmentally situated interactions, anticipating the motor system activation for a prompt preparation for action. Since immersive VR applications benefit from spatial interactions, modeling the PPS around the listeners is crucial to reveal individual behaviors and performances. Our methodology centered around the pmRT is able to provide a compact description and approximation of the spatiotemporal PPS processing and boundaries around the head by replicating several well-known neurophysiological phenomena related to PPS, such as auditory asymmetry, front/back calibration and confusion, and ellipsoidal action fields.

Alleviation of social injustices in STEM education: Harnessing pedagogical affordances of virtual and augmented reality applications through open learning

This paper explores the extent to which pedagogical affordances of virtual and augmented reality (VAR) applications can be harnessed as a means to alleviate social injustices in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education through open learning. The enhancement of epistemic and epistemological access in STEM education requires coherent implementation of appropriate strategic interventions which are essentially geared towards the promotion of pedagogic innovation in its broadest sense. The empirical investigation adopted a qualitative research design located within the interpretivist paradigm. Qualitative data was collected through semi-structured interviews. The study is underpinned by the theory of social justice framework as a theoretical lens. Key findings emanating from the study demonstrated that sustainable integration of VAR applications in STEM education can essentially be harnessed as a catalytic tool to address the articulation gap between school and higher education through parity of participation within the broader South African context. The realisation of this key strategic imperative hinges to a large degree on the critical interrogation of enablers and constraints about sustainable utilisation of VAR applications in STEM teaching and learning.

EyeCoD: Eye Tracking System Acceleration via FlatCam-Based Algorithm and Hardware Co-Design

<italic xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">Eye tracking has become an essential human-machine interaction modality in virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR) applications requiring high throughput (e.g., &gt;240 FPS), small form-factor, and enhanced visual privacy. Existing eye tracking systems have adopted bulky lens-based cameras, and thus suffer from both a large form-factor and high communication cost between the camera and backend processor. This work presents a camera, algorithm, and accelerator co-designed lensless eye tracking system dubbed EyeCoD, which to the best of our knowledge is the first to provide a general front-end eye tracking solution for AR/VR while satisfying the requirements for both high throughput and smaller form-factor. Specifically, EyeCoD integrates system-, algorithm-, and accelerator-level techniques to boost system efficiency without sacrificing the eye tracking accuracy. We believe that our EyeCoD system will pave the way for next-generation eye tracking solutions in VR/AR and can shed light on future innovations for intelligent imaging systems.</i>

6G - SIXTH GENERATION MOBILE NETWORKS

&amp;lt;p style=&amp;quot;text-align: justify;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;In this paper, we will present mobile networks of the sixth generation, popularly called 6G. It is expected that this generation of mobile networks will cause a complete revolution in the world of technology but also the daily life of the people who use it. The 6G mobile network will not only be a continuation of the 5G mobile network, but will represent a completely new concept of integration of all existing and future segments of the idea of global networking. 6G networks are expected to reach significantly higher levels of heterogeneity than their predecessors and to support applications that are far more advanced than current mobile usage scenarios, such as virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR), ubiquitous instant communications, ubiquitous intelligence and Internet of Things (IoT). 6G should enable the full integration of wireless networks based on different technologies. A significant advantage of the 6G mobile network that will enable this is certainly the data rate, which will reach speeds of even 1TB/s. In addition, 6G mobile networks will enable extremely high coverage, negligible delay, high reliability and availability in almost all rural areas.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;

Analysis and mapping of scientific literature on virtual and augmented reality technologies used in the context of mental health disorders (1980 – 2021)

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to provide a bibliometric analysis of global research publications on virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR) technologies in the understanding, diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders.Design/methodology/approachThe SciVerse Scopus database was used to retrieve relevant documents using a validated search strategy for the study period from 1980 to 2021.FindingsIn total, 1,233 research articles were found. Research in this field has experienced steep growth since 2017; was disseminated by journals in the fields of clinical psychology, neuroscience, psychiatry and computer sciences; was mainly carried out by scholars in high-income countries with advanced digital technology; has a relatively high number of authors per article but with a relatively poor cross-country research collaboration; was led by researchers and institutions mainly from the USA, Spain and Italy; and has received the highest number of citations for articles on anxiety and phobias.Research limitations/implicationsBibliometric methodology is a useful tool for identifying evolution growth patterns and research hot topics in the use of emerging technologies in clinical practice. Research on implementing AR/VR technologies in medicine will be enhanced by strengthening international research collaboration. More research attention should be paid to new emerging technologies in the mental health field.Practical implicationsThe use of VR/AR technologies became popular as an alternative to or adjunct to traditional therapy in mental health practice. The rapid increase in research publications in recent years suggested that AR and VR technologies were both acceptable and simple to use. A wide range of mental health disorders could be managed by AR/VR technologies. Training medical and nursing students on various new technologies is important to cope with the digital revolution.Originality/valueBased on the volume and growth patterns of research publications, there is a promising future for the use of VR/AR technologies in the field of mental health. Teaching and training health-care professionals on the proper use of VR/AR are needed to support their potential future use.

SID Display Week: Celebrating 60 Years of Innovation

THIS YEAR'S DISPLAY WEEK, THE ANNUAL International Symposium, Seminar, and Exhibition organized by the Society for Information Display (SID), is being held May 21–26 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. It's occurring 60 years after the first annual event was held in the same city. On this anniversary, I want to reflect on where we are today. All around us, we are witnessing transformations in the ways we interact with technologies and devices. Today's human-technology interfaces are more natural, intuitive, and interactive than ever before, with visual displays at the center. We've seen the evolution of human inputs from joysticks, to mice and keyboards, to touchscreens. Now voice and vision are emerging as the next wave. With continued developments in artificial intelligence (AI), natural interfaces based on touch, voice, and vision are poised to become the primary ways that we interact with devices. New products and markets have been driven by innovators who capitalized on new human-technology interaction paradigms. A driving force in the widespread proliferation of personal computers was the advent of the mouse and keyboard, and modern smartphones were largely made possible because of touch interfaces, among other key enabling technologies, including flat-panel displays. Now virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR) devices are emerging, benefiting from computer vision innovations in inside-out tracking and natural gesture control interfaces. The significance of this continuing transformation for the industry that SID serves cannot be overstated. It's no longer about just designing and manufacturing a display screen that shows information. The entire system must be considered together—from vision, voice, and touch sensors that see, hear, and feel human inputs, to AI algorithms that understand human intention and enable the system to respond through the display. Engineers must understand the entire information flow and architect integrated systems from sensors to displays. The value that SID provides to our members is in supporting them in delivering greater value to their customers, so we owe it to them to expand our focus to encompass end-to-end imaging and vision technologies. I explained this drive to “redefine the ‘I’ in SID” in the last issue of Information Display (ID). With that as a backdrop, I would like to share some highlights of the Display Week 2023 program. Display Week is well known for its expansive exhibition and international symposium, and this year is no exception. The International Technical Symposium will feature top scientists, researchers, and academics with presentations and hundreds of papers from around the world. Special topics include AR/MR/VR, machine learning, and outdoor displays, as well as sensors integration and multifunctional displays—a new topic for 2023 in line with our expanding focus. We also are debuting the SID Imaging and Vision Special Event with speakers from organizations such as Meta, Microsoft, Sony, UCLA, HKU, and OpenCV. The event will focus on advances in image sensing, computer graphics, AI-aided computer vision, and machine learning techniques that enable new intelligent and interactive systems and applications. On the exhibition floor, the largest display and imaging companies will demonstrate advances in AR/VR, OLED, microLED, miniLED, LCD, quantum dots, automobile technology, wearables, digital signage, ePaper, vision sensors, and more. In the Innovation Zone (I-Zone), attendees can see prototypes and pre-market products from small companies, startups, and research organizations. An amazing part of Display Week is how it honors people who have made significant contributions to the industry. The 2023 Honors and Awards will be presented to a select group of innovators who have furthered research, pushed the boundaries of discovery, and improved technology. To read more about the prizes and honorees, see the March/April 2023 issue of ID. Other special events and programs include the SID/DSCC Business Conference, CEO Forum, Women in Tech event, Young Leadership Conference, SID Job Fair, and much more. There is something for everyone in the ecosystem. Looking to the next 60 years, SID will continue to evolve as the world evolves, and Display Week will continue to be the place to experience the latest innovations in electronic displays and imaging technologies. We're excited to bring these important developments to our community. Please reach out with ideas and comments to [email protected]. I hope to see you at Display Week! Achin Bhowmik is the president of the Society for Information Display. He can be reached at [email protected].

Reflection on the design of food systems and experiences for sustainable transformations

The importance of food and technology in modern society is undeniable. Technological advances have revolutionized how we produce, distribute and prepare food beyond local boundaries, and even how we eat. Eating is one of the most multisensory experiences in everyday life. All of our five senses (i.e. taste, smell, vision, hearing and touch) are involved. We first eat with our eyes, we can smell the food before we taste it, and then experience its textures and flavours in our mouth. However, the experience does not stop there. The sounds that come both from the environment in which we are immersed in while eating and our interactions with the food (e.g. chewing) and utensils we use to eat further influence our eating experiences. In all that, digital technology plays an increasingly important role, especially using emerging immersive technologies such as virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR). Designing at the intersection between technology and food requires multi-stakeholder commitments and a human experience-centred approach. Furthermore, it is essential to look beyond disciplinary boundaries and account for insights on various levels including the perceptual effects, experiential layers and technological advancements.

Teaching and Learning in the Metaverse World: The Future of New-Gen Education

Abstract :The change in the education system to meet the needs of the students of every generation is inevitable. The education system is transforming towards technology catering to the requirements of Generation Y and Generation Alpha. The online teaching practice has many issues and concerns among students, like lack of interaction, inactiveness, incuriosity, and ineffectiveness. The innovation in technology by incorporating Virtual and Augmented Reality (VAR), Artificial Intelligence (AI), holograms, virtual laboratories, blockchain technology, and the Internet of Things (IoT) can make it more effective. The metaverse is a web of threedimensional virtual environments centered on socializing, which utilizes the above-said technologies. Metaverse delivers an immersive learning experience for the students and increases class involvement, making learning more exciting and active. Its expansion has been aided by superior information technology enterprises such as Meta Platforms, Epic Games and Microsoft. Metaverse has also raised concerns like privacy, security, societal and psychological issues among users. Furtherresearch into the application of metaverse application in education can shed more light on it as we need to prepare the educators and learners of the near future. Keywords : Metaverse, Generation Alpha, Virtual Augmented Reality, Online education, Roblox.

Systematic Review of Smart Classroom for Hard Skills Training in Augmented and Virtual Reality Environments

Advances in augmented and virtual reality (AVR) technology have allowed for the development of AVR interactive learning environments (AVR-ILEs) with increasing fidelity. When paired with a suitably capable computer tutor agent, such environments can permit adaptive and self-directed learning of procedural skills in some cases. We undertook a comprehensive review of published smart classroom (SC) solutions to facilitate hard skills training in AVR-ILEs. We established the learning context and implemented support for hard skills training for each of the seven solutions that qualified for the final analysis. Typically, AVR-ILEs mimic realistic work conditions or equipment. The aim of this study is to solutions featuring a smart classroom for hard skills training in an AVR-ILEs have been described. In the study, it is also aimed to types of AVR-ILEs from a smart classroom (SC) have been implemented to support hard skills training. This systematic review is based on the reporting criteria of PRISMA 2020 and the scope of the study consists of 9 academic studies including the keyword "smart classroom" and the keywords "augmented reality" or "virtual reality" in academic studies scanned in Scopus, IEEE Xplore, Eric, ScienceDirect and ACM Digital Library. In this study, the distribution of the studies used in the Smart Classroom for Hard Skills Training in Augmented and Virtual Reality Environments (SCHST-AVRE) by solution, domain, country, concept description, country, reviewed papers, learning objective(s), learning tasks, and the context of the technology used is included. In order to contribute to the research on the AVR-ILEs, it has been tried to determine the opportunities and risks that teaching in the SCHST-AVRE can offer to the field of education. In addition, it is thought that this study will shed a light on future studies.

AR/VR/3D Technologies: Enabling Future Business Growth and Scale-Up

Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality (AR/VR) technologies have been in existence for some time, but recent advancements in hardware, storage, graphics processing, and high-resolution displays have made them more accessible and practical. As a result, an increasing number of organizations are exploring these immersive technologies for various purposes. This research focuses on organizations that have already initiated their AR/VR/3D journey, either through experimentation or implementation, and aims to answer the following questions. ❖ How is AR/VR/3D being employed today? ❖ What are the latest trends in AR/VR/3D technology? ❖ How can firms either begin or evolve their initiatives by implementing AR/VR/3D tech?

Augmented and Virtual Reality to Enhance the Didactical Experience of Technological Heritage Museums

The way that the new generations approach cultural contents changed dramatically. The audiovisual language substituted traditional media. Museums face now an important challenge to survive as cultural referents in this new paradigm: the introduction of new audiovisual languages in their exhibitions and the provision of attractive online content. The work presents a case study of the use of augmented reality and virtual reality (AR/VR) in a technological heritage museum, with a double approach: on the one hand the development of AR to enhance the real visit to the museum; and on the other, the provision of VR to ease online visits to the museum for those that do not want to or cannot visit it. The results show that young visitors massively appreciate the use of these technologies. Using AR contents also contributes to the preservation of the original artifacts without damage. Furthermore, multimedia content provides some contextual information, improving the learning experience. Regarding the VR application, it is thought as a complement to the AR experience. It was developed as a virtual reproduction of the museum visit that can be experienced from any location, thus contributing to a higher diffusion of the museum contents.

Understanding Displays and Optics Requirements to Take AR/VR Mainstream

After laptops came tablets, which evolved to resemble laptops; then smartphones arrived, which evolved to be like tablets. So what is next for computing, entertainment, or any application that currently uses laptops, tablets, and smartphones? Virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR) devices could be contenders. Promoters of VR and AR technologies not only hope to create new applications in the metaverse, but to displace some existing devices with something better. As with many consumer electronics applications, new applications follow a hype cycle before reality sets in, and sometimes the reality is even better than what was imagined at the peak of the hype cycle. Irrespective of the curve that AR/VR devices could follow, they are here to stay. Virtually every major consumer electronics company, every major display company, and thousands of smaller companies have invested many years and billions of dollars in taking the idea of AR/VR down the path toward commercial reality. When people ask if it's there yet, our answer is that we have been shipping OLED microdisplays into these and other medical, industrial, and military applications for a long time. It's taking longer to achieve consumer mass market success, but we believe it will. To forecast where we are going, it is important to understand the current state of the industry and goals for the future. This requires a careful assessment of optics and display technologies as they stand today so we can understand the hurdles and focus on overcoming them. With this in mind, we invited an article, “Advanced VR and AR Displays: Improving the User Experience,” from Changhee Lee, corporate EVP and head of R&D at Samsung Display. Together with his colleagues, Lee examines the human visual system and highlights the goals and challenges of designing for AR and VR applications. Samsung's experience as an industry leader in display technology helps us provide our readers with a deeper look into this topic. We also are fortunate to have Karl Guttag, an industry expert with more than 40 years of experience, overview waveguide optics and display technologies that impact the world of AR, VR, and mixed reality (MR) in “Analyzing Optics’ Pivotal Role in Augmented and Mixed Reality Displays.” Guttag has studied all major waveguide and display technologies and provides descriptions and analyses of each along with informative graphics. There is not a single approach to optics. Each has its benefits and unique features for specific applications within AR and VR. Most waveguides used today aren't meeting industry's expectations in terms of light output. In most cases, more than 90 percent of the light is lost within the system. Similarly with display technologies, liquid crystal on silicon (LCoS) technology is well established but has not met expectations in terms of response time, weight, and power. Laser scanning results in inadequate image quality; while OLED technology has a faster response time, but high brightness demands are not quite met in production. Similarly, microLED is emerging with its own set of lab-to-fab challenges. Apart from optics and displays, the system itself is expected to be worn for long durations and needs to be light, ergonomically and aesthetically suitable, and work in untethered environments. It also should provide a variety of content—including both striking visual and high-quality audio. But the industry is not deterred by these challenges. Various industries and applications are eager to have high-quality AR and VR devices deployed to enable new markets and displace existing devices with those that offer greater value. The entertainment industry finds VR devices a natural fit that offer a much better viewing experience. Whether the user is watching a movie or the Super Bowl, the industry wants to immerse users, to provide an experience as if they are in a movie or had courtside seats at a basketball game. Meanwhile, the medical industry wants to use AR devices to aid surgeons, and VR devices could train nurses. Industrial applications also could use AR devices to enhance safety, while the military could use these devices to … well, let's just say the military wants these devices. From computing to communications, from brand experience to balloon rides, the applications are myriad, and these industries are waiting on our industry to fix the technical hurdles and deliver amazing products. And we will. Amal Ghosh is the COO at eMagin Corporation. He is a SID Fellow and received the Karl Ferdinand Braun Prize and SID Special Recognition Award. He earned a PhD degree in physics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He may be reached at [email protected]. Sri Peruvemba is an associate editor for Information Display. He is the CEO of Marketer International in the Silicon Valley and works with high-tech companies in board and advisory roles. He may be reached at [email protected].

The impact of artificial intelligence in marketing on the performance of business organizations: evidence from SMEs in an emerging economy

Purpose This study aims to empirically investigate the relationship between artificial intelligence (AI) in marketing (AIM) and business performance from the resource-based view (RBV) perspective. Design/methodology/approach A survey strategy was used in this study to collect data from 225 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) respondents who were on the registered list of the Ghana Enterprise Agency in the Eastern Region of Ghana. Structural equation modeling – path analysis was used to estimate the impact of AIM on the performance of SMEs. Findings The analyzed data shows that AIM has significant impact on the financial performance, customer performance, internal business process performance and learning and growth performance in the case of SMEs in Ghana. This study establishes the significance of AIM approach in achieving financial performance, customer performance, internal business process performance and learning and growth performance through the application of AIM determinants including, Internet of Things (IoT), collaborative decision-making systems (CDMS), virtual and augmented reality (VAR) and personalization. Research limitations/implications Aside the aforementioned significance of this research study, this study has limitations. The sample size of this research study can be expanded to include SME respondents in other geographical areas that were not considered in this study. Future research studies should concentrate on how AIM can analyze customer communications and information such as posts on social media to develop future communications that may enhance customer engagement. Practical implications The practical implications comprise of two key items. First, this research study encourages SME owners and managers to develop an AIM method as a fundamental strategic goal in their pursuit to improve SME performance. Second, SME owners and managers should increasingly implement the four determinants of AIM indicated in this research study (i.e., IOT, CDMS, VAR and personalization) to develop essential resources for effective application of AIM to improve their performance. Originality/value The results of this study provide a strong support to RBV theory and the proposition that AIM and its determinants (i.e., IOT, CDMS, VAR and personalization) should be recognized as an essential strategic resource for improving the performance (i.e., financial performance, customer performance, internal business process performance and learning and growth performance) of SMEs. This study also contributes to the current body of knowledge on AIM and management, particularly in the context of an emerging economy.

Narrating Ancient Roman Heritage through Drawings and Digital Architectural Representation: From Historical Archives, UAV and LIDAR to Virtual-Visual Storytelling and HBIM Projects

One of the main objectives of today’s archaeological sites and museums is the development of research, understood as the interpretation and contextualisation of tangible and intangible cultural heritage to broaden the knowledge and accessibility of archaeological parks often unknown to visitors and the public on a large scale. In this perspective, the Appia Antica Archaeological Park aims to support research in digitising infrastructures and archaeological contexts of high historical and cultural value to plan short- and medium-term preservation and maintenance projects. In this context, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are tools with enormous potential in survey, inspection and digitisation, providing the basis for the subsequent phases of data interpretation, representation and material analysis. Thanks to the photorealistic reconstruction of dense structure from motion (DSfM) in the application of structural inspections, today it is possible to intercept the geometry and material conditions of small, medium and large structures, reducing the costs of inspections, limiting the interruption of the public and providing professionals and visitors with a better volumetric understanding of the system. However, inserting information that gradually accumulates throughout the process requires advanced 3D digital representation techniques, such as HBIM (historic building information modelling), scan-to-BIM approach and interactive forms, such as virtual and augmented reality (VR-AR). For these reasons, this study summarises the experience and lessons learned from the UAV inspection of three research case studies at archaeological, architectural, and infrastructure scales to increase awareness of the Roman-built heritage.