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IoT (Internet of Things)

IoT is short for Internet of Things. The Internet of Things refers to the ever-growing network of physical objects that feature an IP address for internet connectivity, and the communication that occurs between these objects and other Internet-enabled devices and system.

Internet of Things (IoT) is an ecosystem of connected physical objects that are accessible through the internet. The ‘thing’ in IoT could be a person with a heart monitor or an automobile with built-in sensors, i..e objects that have been assigned an IP address and have the ability to collect and transfer data over a network without manual assistance or intervention. The embedded technology in the objects helps them to interact with internal states or the external environment, which in turn affects the decisions taken.

The Internet of Things (IoT) is the network of devices, vehicles and home appliances that contain electronics, software, actuators and connectivity which allows these things to connect, interact and exchange data.

IoT involves extending Internet Connectivity beyond standard devices, such as desktops, laptops, smartphones and tablets, to any range of traditionally dumb or non-internet-enabled physical devices and everyday objects. Embedded with technology, these devices can communicate and interact over the internet, and they can be remotely monitored and controlled.

How IoT (Internet of Things) Works?

Devices and objects with built in sensors are connected to an Internet of Things platform, which integrates data from the different devices and applies analytics to share the most valuable information with applications built to address specific needs.

These powerful IoT platforms can pinpoint exactly what information is useful and what can safely be ignored. This information can be used to detect patterns, make recommendations, and detect possible problems before they occur.

For Example: If I own a car manufacturing business, I might want to know which optional components (Ex: leather seats or alloy wheels) are the most popular.

Using Internet of Things technology, We can:

·     Use Sensors to detect which areas in a showroom are the most popular, and where customers linger longest.

·     Drill down into the available sales data to identify which components are selling fastest.

·     Automatically align sales data with supply, so that popular items don’t go out of stock.

·     The information picked up by connected devices enables me to make smart decisions about which components to stock up on, based on real-time information, which helps me save time and money.

With the insight provided by advanced analytics comes the power to make processes more efficient. Smart objects and systems mean you can automate certain tasks, particularly when these are repetitive, mundane, time-consuming or even dangerous.

Scope of IoT (Internet of Things)  

Internet of Things can connect devices embedded in various systems to the internet. When devices/objects can represent themselves digitally, they can be controlled from anywhere. The connectivity then helps us capture more data from more places, ensuring more ways of increasing efficiency and improving safety and IoT security.

IoT is a transformational force that can help companies improve performance through IoT analytics and IoT security to deliver better results. Businesses in the utilities, oil & gas, insurance, manufacturing, transportation, infrastructure and retail sectors can reap the benefits of IoT by making more informed decisions, aided by the toorent of interactional and transactional data at their disposal.

Future of IoT (Internet of Things)

As far as the reach of the Internet of Things, there are more than 12 billion devices that can currently connect to the internet, and researchers at the IDC estimate that by 2020 there will be 26 times more connected things than people.

According to Gartner, consumer applications will drive the number of connected things, while enterprise will account for most of the revenue. IoT adoption is growing, with manufacturing and utilities estimated to have the largest installed base of Things by 2020.

Conclusion

The IoT has the potential to dramatically increase the availability of information, and is likely to transform companies and organizations in virtually every industry around the world. As such, finding ways to leverage the power of the IoT is expected to factor into the strategic objectives of most technology companies, regardless of their industry focus.

The number of different technologies required to support the deployment and further growth of the IoT places a premium on interoperability, and has resulted in widespread efforts to develop standards and technical specifications that support seamless communication between IoT devices and components. Collaboration between various standards development groups and consolidation of some current efforts will eventually result in greater clarity for IoT technology companies.

“The Internet is no longer a web that we connect to. Instead, it’s a computerized, networked, and interconnected world that we live in. This is the future, and what we’re calling the Internet of Things.”

                                                  – Bruce Schneier

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All you need to know about AR (Augmented Reality)

AR (Augmented Reality)

 Augmented Reality is the integration of digital information with the user’s environment in real time. Augmented Reality uses the existing environment and overlays new information on the top of it.

It is an enhanced version of reality where live direct or indirect views of physical real-world environments are augmented with superimposed computer generated images over a user’s view of the real world, thus enhancing one’s current perception of reality.

The origin of the word augmented is augment, which means to add or enhance something. In the case of Augmented Reality, graphics, sounds and touch feedback are added into our natural world to create an enhanced user experience.

Types of Augmented Reality

 1. Marker Based Augmented Reality

 Marker-based augmented reality (also called Image Recognition) uses a camera and some type of visual marker, such as a QR/2D code, to produce a result only when the marker is sensed by a reader. Marker based application use a camera on the device to distinguish a marker from any other real world object. Distinct, but simple patterns (such as a QR Code) are used as the markers, because they can be easily recognized and do not require a lot of processing power to read. The position and orientation is also calculated, in which some type of content and/or information is then over-layered the marker.

 2.  Markerless Augmented Reality

 As one of the most widely implemented applications of augmented reality, markerless (also called location-based, position-based, or GPS) augmented reality, uses a GPS, digital compass, velocity meter, or accelerometer which is embedded in the device to provide data based on your location. A strong force behind markerless augmented reality technology is the wide availability of smartphones and location detection features they provide. It is most commonly used for mapping directions, finding nearby businesses, and other location-centric mobile applications.

3.  Projection Based Augmented Reality

 Projection based augmented reality works by projecting artificial light onto real world surfaces. Projection based augmented reality application allow for human interaction by sending light onto a real world surface and then sensing the human interaction (i.e. touch) of that projected light. Detecting the user’s interaction is done by differentiating between an expected (or known) projection and the altered projection (caused by the user’s interaction). Another interesting application of projection based augmented reality utilizes laser plasma technology to project a three-dimensional (3D) interactive hologram into mid-air.

4.  Superimposition Based Augmented Reality

 Superimposition based augmented reality either partially or fully replaces the original view of an object with a newly augmented view of that same object. In superimposition based augmented reality, object recognition plays a vital role because the application cannot replace the original view with an augmented one if it cannot determine what the object is. A strong consumer-facing example of superimposition based augmented reality could be found in the Ikea augmented reality furniture catalogue. By downloading an app and scanning selected pages in their printed or digital catalogue, users can place virtual ikea furniture in their own home with the help of augmented reality.

 Key Components of AR Devices

 1. Sensors and Cameras

 Sensors are usually on the outside of the augmented reality device, and gather a user’s real world interactions and communicate them to be processed and interpreted. Cameras are also located on the outside of the device, and visually scan to collect data about the surrounding area. The devices take this information, which often determines where surrounding physical objects are located, and then formulates a digital model to determine appropriate output. In the case of Microsoft HoloLens, specific cameras perform specific duties, such as depth sensing. Depth sensing cameras work in tandem with two “environment understanding cameras” on each side of the device. Another common type of camera is a standard several megapixel camera (similar to the ones used in smartphones) to record pictures, videos, and sometimes information to assist with augmentation.

 2. Projection

 While “Projection Based Augmented Reality” is a category in-itself, we are specifically referring to a miniature projector often found in a forward and outward-facing position on wearable augmented reality headsets. The projector can essentially turn any surface into an interactive environment. As mentioned above, the information taken in by the cameras used to examine the surrounding world, is processed and then projected onto a surface in front of the user; which could be a wrist, a wall, or even another person. The use of projection in augmented reality devices means that screen real estate will eventually become a lesser important component. In the future, you may not need an iPad to play an online game of chess because you will be able to play it on the table top in front of you.

 3. Processing

 Augmented reality devices are basically mini-supercomputers packed into tiny wearable devices. These devices require significant computer processing power and utilize many of the same components that our smartphones do. These components include a CPU, a GPU, flash memory, RAM, Bluetooth/Wifi microchip, global positioning system (GPS) microchip, and more. Advanced augmented reality devices, such as the Microsoft HoloLens utilize an accelerometer (to measure the speed in which your head is moving), a gyroscope (to measure the tilt and orientation of your head), and a magnetometer (to function as a compass and figure out which direction your head is pointing) to provide for truly immersive experience.

  4. Reflection

Mirrors are used in augmented reality devices to assist with the way your eye views the virtual image. Some augmented reality devices may have “an array of many small curved mirrors” and others may have a simple double-sided mirror with one surface reflecting incoming light to a side-mounted camera and the other surface reflecting light from a side-mounted display to the user’s eye. In the Microsoft HoloLens, the use of “mirrors” involves see-through holographic lenses (Microsoft refers to them as waveguides) that use an optical projection system to beam holograms into your eyes. A so-called light engine, emits the light towards two separate lenses (one for each eye), which consists of three layers of glass of three different primary colors (blue, green, red). The light hits those layers and then enters the eye at specific angles, intensities and colors, producing a final holistic image on the eye’s retina. Regardless of method, all of these reflection paths have the same objective, which is to assist with image alignment to the user’s eye.

 How Augmented Reality is Controlled?

 Augmented reality devices are often controlled either by touch a pad or voice commands. The touch pads are often somewhere on the device that is easily reachable. They work by sensing the pressure changes that occur when a user taps or swipes a specific spot. Voice commands work very similar to the way they do on our smartphones. A tiny microphone on the device will pick up your voice and then a microprocessor will interpret the commands. Voice commands, such as those on the Google Glass augmented reality device, are pre-programmed from a list of commands that you can use. On the Google Glass, nearly all of them start with “OK, Glass,” which alerts your glasses that a command is soon to follow. For example, “OK, Glass, take a picture” will send a command to the to snap a photo of whatever you’re looking at.

 “Simply put, we believe augmented reality is going to change the way we use technology forever. We’re already seeing things that will transform the way you work, play, connect and learn.” —Tim Cook

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All About HoloLens

“Microsoft Futuristic HoloLens headset is one of the wildest bits of Technology”

 Microsoft HoloLens is the first self-contained, holographic computer, enabling you to engage with your digital content and interact with holograms in the world around you.

HoloLens is essentially a holographic computer built into a headset that lets you see, hear and interact with holograms within an environment such as a living room or an office space. Microsoft has built the headset without the need to be wirelessly connected to a PC and has used high definition lenses and spatial sound technology to create that immersive, interactive holographic experience.

The HoloLens comes with semi-transparent holographic lenses which generate multi-dimensional full colour Holograms.

Microsoft has packed the HoloLens with a series of sensors, along with a high-end CPU and GPU, which the company claims gives it ‘more computing power than the average laptop. Specifically, the headset features an inertial measurement unit, an ambient light sensor, one camera for measuring depth and four environment understanding cameras, all of which combine to process information about the environment you are in and how you are interacting with it.

On the top of that, a 2-megapixel camera allows you to capture videos and photos of your holographic exploits, while four built-in microphones will register voice commands.

When it comes to power, the HoloLens features a battery that will allow for two to three hours use and up to two weeks to standby time. You will also be able to use the headset while it is charging over Micro USB. The battery is necessary due to the fact that HoloLens is completely untethered which means that you don’t need a PC or any other external hardware in order to use it.

There is a whole bunch of other hardware that is designed to help the HoloLens effects feel believable. The device has many sensors to sense your movements in a room and it uses this information along with layers of coloured glasses to create an image you can interact with or investigate from different angles.

Unique Uses of HoloLens

·     Architecture and Home Design

·     Surgery

·     Projected Directions

·     Pain Reduction

·     Empathy Training

 HoloLens will be able to let you view and interact with work projects such as assembling 3D models, play games like Minecraft, video chat with Hologram versions of Skype contacts and even watch live content. It has a ability to create 3D objects, from assembling to choosing the colours, all using simple gestures that looks like Intel RealSense.

One of the most fascinating uses, at least for the folks at NASA, is that the headset will give NASA staff the ability to plant virtual flags in the terrain and works as if they are actually on the planet themselves.

Microsoft is also partnering with other companies to use HoloLens in practical ways. Volvo is expected to bring the technology to its car showrooms where customers will be able to view different colour options for their chosen car and see safety features in action. The car maker is also expected to integrate HoloLens tech into its autonomous vehicle projects.

“Shape the Future of Productivity with tools that unable a new dimension of work. Start working in mixed reality”

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