Operation

A team of researchers from the University of Surrey (UK) presented the third generation (3G) version of their Next Generation Paper (NGP) project, an electronic book that works with augmented reality (AR) technology and functions as a supplement to a physical book.

This new reading experience is called "a-books" and they allow access to information that complements what is contained in a physical book and is presented as "a hybrid between an electronic book and a traditional book". So says Radu Sporea, senior lecturer at the University of Surrey's Institute of Advanced Technology.

Some of the advantages offered by e-books are small size, portability and ease of use. However, some readers report a lack of backlight on some devices. Others, on the other hand, miss the touch of paper when reading and also ensure that their eyes get more tired when using it.

With the aim of "negating the advantages and drawbacks" of both formats, in the words of this Euronews Next professor, e-books have been created that use augmented reality and allow users to activate certain digital content with a simple gesture.

These devices have been developed within the framework of the Next Generation Paper (NGP) project of the University of Surrey, which recently presented the third generation (3G) of its prototype.

In this way, the hybrid model allows the activation of digital content with simple gestures, such as sliding a finger over a certain word or phrase, whose multimedia content and additional information will be reflected on a nearby device and allow reading, placed in context.

Thus, as this medium shows, a tourist will be able to open an AR travel guide and get up-to-date information, such as train schedules or establishment and service schedules, on their smartphone or other devices.

Optican pattern recognition

As part of the Next Generation Paper development project, the research team created a prototype book with no visible electronics or wiring, which they have modified in several iterations over the past five years.

He also developed a marker capable of recognizing optical patterns on book pages. This can be placed on a specific page and at the same time send important reading information to another screen, be it a smartphone or tablet.

According to Spore, this mark is linked to an electronic system on the cover of the book and, thanks to some integrated light sensors, it can detect the individual codes printed on each page of the copy.