Augmented Reality Based on Human Needs

Abstract

Augmented reality (AR) is a fascinating information visualization technology. Whilen Thomas Caudell coined the term AR in 1992, technology development over the recent years led to AR’s unprecedented growth, making it a mainstream concept and a multibillion dollar industry. AR is “a system that enhances the real world by superimposing computer-generated information on top of it.” Where virtual reality (VR) provides users with experiences within a synthesized world, AR forms part of a mixed reality concept at the center of the spectrum between actual reality and total virtuality.

Despite the proliferation of AR via the diffusion of mobile devices, the technology remains limited in its ability to provide relevant and personalized experiences. Earlier research focuses on limited personalization factors and external AR experience triggers. Considering this situation stimulated the idea of incorporating human needs into an augmented reality system to generate focused and individualized suggestions. Needs satisfaction is among the primary drivers of an individual’s actions and behavior, and integrating those needs into information systems represents a step towards achieving a pervasive environment. Achieving the concept of AR personalization through the detection and satisfaction of basic human needs requires more research. The detection involves utilizing sensors to identify a human’s presence and requisites in different areas, for example, health and well-being, marketing, and entertainment.

To enhance augmented reality using human needs in pervasive experiences, the research fulfills three objectives. First, it develops an in-depth understanding of individual necessities by assessing the knowledge and practices around basic needs in computing systems. Second, it maps various needs to relevant data elements and sensor requirements. Third, it formulates artifacts (models and processes) to support the development of AR systems based on basic human needs.

In achieving these objectives, the dissertation contributes a review of the literature on human needs and pervasive environments, details of the process used to analyze basic needs and identify sensor requirements, and a formulation of guidelines for creating AR experiences based on human needs.