Ep 16. Matt Mills: Image Recognition That Triggers Augmented Reality
Matt Mills, the co-founder of one of the most innovative tech companies, Blippar, talks about his intriguing invention that has the potential to revolutionize the way we interact with the world around us through augmented reality. In this episode of TedTalks: Rad Invention, Matt explains how his technology integrates image recognition with augmented reality to bring everyday objects to life.
Matt begins his talk by describing how his early fascination with technology led him to create cutting-edge software that could recognize objects within an image. Through his research, he discovered that if visuals, especially in print media, were equipped with a unique digital marker or code, the viewer would be able to scan them using a smartphone or tablet and see an interactive image on their screen. This opened up a whole new world of possibilities, and Matt started working on what would eventually become Blippar, which he co-founded with Ambarish Mitra.
The technology behind Blippar allows for the recognition of specific objects or images, and based on that recognition, users can be presented with a wide array of digital information – on their own devices. It’s like an extension of our world where digital data and text is integrated with what we see around us. Matt Mills describes how this technology has evolved over the years, early experiments revolved around scannable adverts and how they could help consumers access relevant product information. However, it wasn’t too long before they pushed the boundaries, and augmented reality came into play.
In the second part of his talk, Matt delves into the nitty-gritty details of how his technology works and the various algorithms involved in image recognition and augmented reality. He explains how his company, Blippar, uses sophisticated algorithms to recognize patterns, shapes, and colors within images, even when viewed from different angles or at a distance. And how this can be applied to everyday scenarios – for example, imagine standing in front of a famous building, and with a quick scan of your phone, you could be presented with historical facts, famous people who visited, and relevant points of interest.
The third part of his talk is where he brings it all together and demonstrates the practical application of his invention. Matt shows examples of how augmented reality is taking on a life of its own in industries such as gaming, real estate, healthcare, and even art. With his technology, homes can be viewed in 3D without physically walking through them, and architects can add realistic elements to their designs to help visualize a project. The medical industry is using augmented reality to help practitioners accurately determine diagnosis and treatment options with 3D visualizations, while artists are creating more immersive experiences through their work.
Finally, Matt discusses the future of augmented reality and what this technology could mean for society as a whole. He dreams of a world where an individual can walk into a library, point their phone towards a book, and be presented with related articles, podcasts, and speeches from the authors or experts. The applications of augmented reality are endless, and as technology continues to advance, the only limitation will be the human imagination.
Matt Mills' TedTalks: Rad Invention season 1 episode 16 is a must-watch for anyone interested in technology, especially those fascinated with augmented reality. His invention has already changed the way we interact with digital and physical objects in the world around us, and it's exciting to think about the possibilities that lie ahead. Through his thorough explanation and demonstration of image recognition and augmented reality, Matt imparts a clear message -- that the power of technology lies in the value it adds to our lives.