Geisha Tokyo, the company behind the innovative Augmented Reality character Cyber Figure ARis is now going to be releasing a guide book with publisher Kodansha that goes into detail on how to best use the software. For the uninitiated, augmented reality uses software to mix digital enhancements with real-world images as seen through a camera. For example, Sekai Camera for the iPhone can recognize items and overlay supplementary information on top. ARis works the same way by reading codes printed on cubes and on special tools.
The new guide book explores the ARis software in depth to enhance the user experience.
The book includes the secret story behind how ARis became a maid, tips for making ARis do special motions, how to change her into 10 different outfits, how to keep ARis happy, an interview with the voice of the character, and the story as to how the system was developed. In fact, we were surprised at how deep the software actually goes, considering that we’ve used it ourselves on many occasions.
Included with the book is also a diorama, though we aren’t completely clear on how it’s integrated. What it seems to be is a coded paper construction that becomes a room for ARis to live in and explore, including a closet, a place for cooking, and even a shower.
While we’ve seen Augmented Reality technology used elsewhere in the world, from magazine ads to trading cards, ARis has shown just how it can be used in a practical, hands-on way as a consumer good. Indeed, it has great potential for marketing when used properly as well, a topic we get into in the Mobile Trendpool.
For those who want the software/kit, ARis is available at JapanTrendShop.
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