Layar Man Episode 4 「風邪とマスクとLayarMan」

[marshallkirkpatrick]

So, question: why put the markers on top of the camera view, instead of just letting me point my phone in different directions and seeing the markers on a black screen? I can look over my camera and see where I'm pointing, thus knowing which direction to go. Not sure why the visual on top of visual is helpful.

[LayarJapan]

That is a good question.

Ideally the markers sitting on top of the visual in front of you will be so accurate that they could differentiate what is in two close buildings or potentially what is on each floor. Right now the accuracy of phones and non support of altitude only give the user a general idea of where a location is. In some cases this is no more helpful than the black screen you mentioned.

[marshallkirkpatrick]

One of the best Layar Man episodes yet, in terms of humor. Only question: did Layar Man use reality, map or list view? I'm guessing map.

[LayarJapan]

Thanks!

It seems he is using the reality view given the way he scans the room.

[marshallkirkpatrick]

yes, I can see that. I am wondering, though, why a person chooses one over the other. :)

[LayarJapan]

The list view is great for viewing the details of multiple spots at once. Also because it orders by proximity it is the best way to "lock on" to the closest location and hone in with another view.

The reality view is convenient for initially pointing in the right direction. I have no sense of direction and even though I know I am close, I rarely know which way I am facing. Maps aren't helpful when you don't know where you face.

Ultimately, which view a person uses depends on the situation.

[marshallkirkpatrick]

Makes sense, it's about seeing what's in front of you as an indication of what direction to walk in more than a way to view literally what's in front of you. I really think this is all new enough that these simple questions are just beginning to be explored.

[LayarJapan]

Right. The map view fills in all the gaps.

Some cool tech though. It is exciting to see where it all goes.

Not a far step from pointing at an apartment building to see if there are vacancies and then getting pictures and details about the room for rent.

A relatively new way of searching. A mix of active and passive searching.

It is good fun to talk this stuff out. Also fun to get colleagues in blue tights and act a bit goofy :)

[marshallkirkpatrick]

totally - blue tights and goofy is great. don't know why this has devolved into such a serious conversation, other than that it seems like the easiest way to discuss these matters with the LayarJapan team. Really, though - is GPS accurate enough in Japan that you can reliably point the camera at an apartment building when you're standing in front of it and see it's info via Layar? In the US I'm seeing all the AR tools be far more useful when looking at markers further away.

[LayarJapan]

Accuracy is a big issue. I dont know that accuracy is any better or worse here in Japan but given that building are closer together it often proves to be a problem. Too many points, to close together.

The Layar team is a great group of folks. I am sure they would be more than happy to discuss this as well. They are certainly more knowledgeable about the subject.