Jamie: Blog Week 14

It was really interesting to experiment with Matterport to create a virtual tour of part of the LAB. To be able to capture the images within the room and hallway that then allowed for the projection of walking through the hallway was an interesting concept. I had tried virtual experiences before with other programs, which allowed me to see the pyramids of Egypt and a different type of experience while working in the field of rehabilitation. The program in rehabilitation allowed the user to be able to wear a headset with an inside screen and handsets to try out many work fields to see if the wearer had an aptitude and interest in different fields of employment. Suffice to say, garage work with oil change and repairs is not my greatest asset, as I missed a few steps after the initial example. The simulation gave an overall feel and understanding of what tasks might be involved in this type of work.

The evolution of augmented reality, I think, can be found in little seeds over the years. If one thinks of the experience in the field of the movie house or even theme park, the concept has been around in different forms, such as surround sound, mist or smoke blowing from the seats, or 3-D glasses being worn while looking at a screen. There are even specially designed seats you can sit in to simulate the movements you are watching.

When contemplating the difference between augmented versus virtual reality, VR is a fully computer-generated simulation, whereas AR incorporates digital elements into real life. While the simulation of the garage oil change is an example of VR, which can be utilized for provide some practical benefits, I think about the use of AR in the field of rehabilitation and its incredible incorporation to help individuals with disabilities. In the early 1990s, augmentative communication devices had recently been introduced, but at that time, only a handful of select experts were trained on how to use and modify them to meet the needs of individuals. To be part of a program (Project START) that allowed us to bring in expert physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, and special education teachers to train Mississippi professionals in these same fields was incredible. For clients with more involved needs, it took the entire team from multiple fields working together to create a solution to help these individuals. I reflect on my first blog and think again about Walt, a successful financial advisor who, despite not being able to utilize his legs nor arms due to a trampoline accident, was able to transact stock buying, selling, and customer correspondence through the aid of a radical software named Dragon Dictate, which featured a brand-new cutting-edge concept called voice-to-text. I am still moved when I think of our precious eight-year-old client who despite no arm nor leg control, not able to speak, and who possessed very limited head movement, was able to train with one of our specialists on a new concept augmentative communication device and a modified penpoint light attached to the side of his head of which after modifications and training, he was able to control the light to activate individual words stored under the machine buttons, and for the first time tell his Mama,  “I..love…you”.

While advances in technology are incredible, I think the most exciting component in the field of digitization, including AR and AR, is the creativity of those who choose to engage it and, through trial and error, forge ahead into an exciting digitally enhanced future.