Chase C: February 2015

Sunday, February 22, 2015

Holograms

In 1947, the theory of holography was introduced by British scientist Dennis Gabor. Although he was never successful in creating a hologram he is the pioneer who introduced the idea. The invention of the laser in 1960, was the first big step in the creation of holograms. In 1962, two professors at the University of Michigan were able to create a hologram of a train and a bird. These were the first successful holograms to date. Throughout the later part of the 1900s there were many advancements in holography that paved the way for what people now see today in films, as well as in the automotive and music industry.

Holograms are defined by dictionary.com as " a negative produced by exposing a high-resolution photographic plater, without camera or lens, near a subject illuminated by monochromatic, coherent radiation, as from a laser: when it is placed in a beam of coherent light a true three-dimensional image of the subject is formed." In layman's terms, a hologram is a 3D object that is created by lasers. In the image to the right you can see a brief overview of how holograms work on a stage. Holograms have been seen in movies for many years but they are making appearances in many different industries today. In the video at the bottom of this report, you can see an example of a holographic performance by a live person. The video also explains how holograms work.

In the automotive industry, holograms are used to observe vehicles before they are produced. They are also used to observe the inner workings of vehicles. Automotive experts can make changes to a holographic vehicle using holographic technology and see how they would work or appear before making the changes on the physical vehicle. In the image to the left you can see an example of a holographic vehicle.

Perhaps the most well-known holograms are those of Tupac and Michael Jackson. At Coachella 2014, Tupac, a rapper who was killed in 1996, was created using holographic technology. The holographic Tupac performed one of his most famous songs. Also part of the performance was Snoop Dog, who was a live person. It was the first live performance of its kind. At the 2014 Billboard Music Awards a holographic Michael Jackson made its premier. In the image to the right you can see the holographic Tupac that performed at Coachella.

Holograms are also being used in the field of education. Holograms are used to create objects that students may be studying. It gives them a chance to look at the object in 3D and research it. Holography also allows professors to teach classes from different parts of the world. Living people can be projected as holograms to classrooms elsewhere in the world. Much like virtual reality, holograms can be used to display things students may be studying that are no longer in existence (i.e. ancient Egypt). It is amazing how realistic holograms are today and they will only continue to improve.

Sources:

http://www.holography.ru/histeng.htm

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/holograms?s=t

http://www.explainthatstuff.com/holograms.html

Images:

http://upordie.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Tupac_Coachella_G_04.jpg

http://www.thestrut.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/pac.jpg

http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/02776/ahead-1_2776303b.jpg

Robotics

In 1941, the term "robotics" was coined by Isaac Asimov in his Three Laws of Robotics. The first electric robots were created in Bristol, England by William Grey Walter. In 1954, George Devol invented Utimate, a digitally operated robot. In 1969, a robot dubbed Freddy I, was invented in the United Kingdom. Freddy I could build wooden blocks, but it took a few hours to do. In 1974, David Silver invented The Silver Arm, which was the first robot that could move like a human arm. In 1994, Cyberknife, a precision surgical tool, was created by Dr. John Adler. In 2002, the Roomba vacuum (see left image) was released to the public.

Robotics is defined by dictionary.com as "the use of computer-controlled robots to perform manual tasks, especially on an assembly line. Although robotics have been used in mass-production facilities, they are also being used in the medical field, educational field, and in the military. Robotics is a growing industry that has seen vast improvements since the turn of the century. A company named iRobot released a robotic vacuum in 2001 called Roomba. It scans rooms and vacuums them accordingly. Self-driving cars have also been in the works for the past couple years although none have been mass-produced or sold.

The field where robotics has made the biggest impact is the medical field. Robotic devices have been used to perform surgery more accurately. Just last year I was reading an article about how a doctor performed successful surgery on a patient from the other side of the world using robotic arms. Robotic prosthetic limbs have also made a great impact in the medical field. The image to the right shows a robotic arm that is connected to the patients brain. These connections allow the patient to control the arm with their mind.

Robotics are also being used to help people who have been paralyzed to walk again. This is a huge advancement in the medical field because it gives those who have lost their ability to walk, a chance to walk again. It can be used as a rehab tool for those are might not be permanently paralyzed. It helps train their muscles to adjust to the task of walking as well as help them improve their balance. The image to the left shows man who is paralyzed, walking with the help of robotic legs.

The price of a Roomba robot depends on which model you want to buy. The prices range from $100-$700. Remote controlled robots have been mass produced and sold for the past couple years. One example would be the remote control helicopters that became popular in 2013 and 2014. Robotics is another immersive technology that will see great improvements in the years to come.

The video below shows a paraplegic man walking with the help of a robotic suit. This man kicked a soccer ball which represented the start of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

Sources:

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/robotics?s=t

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robotics

Images:

http://ww2.hdnux.com/photos/34/24/30/7423497/5/628x471.jpg

http://gettoptens.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/9.-Neato-robotics-vacuum.jpg

http://images.gizmag.com/inline/thought_controlled_permanent_prosthetic_arm-2.jpg

Virtual Reality

Virtual reality is defined as "a realistic simulation of an environment, including three-dimensional graphics, by a computer system using interactive software and hardware" on dictionary.com. Although discussed in the early 1900's their was no successful virtual reality technology created until 1968. The augmented reality HMD (head mounted display) was invented by a man named Ivan Sutherland. Sutherland is considered a pioneer in virtual reality. The term "virtual reality" was created and popularized by Jaron Lanier in the 1980s. In 1991, Sega created the Sega VR, which was a virtual reality helmet used in arcades. In 1991, a product called Virtuality became the first mass-produced virtual reality system. In 2007, Google introduced Street view, which allowed users to look at maps of the world in 3D. This year, Qantas, Australia's national airline, announced that it will provide flyers with Samsung's Gear VR for in-flight use.

Virtual Reality has been used in many different industries but mostly used in the gaming world. In arcades, you can find games that require you to stick your head into a virtual reality helmet that allows you to see all around. One such game is Vortek V3 which is a stand-up virtual reality game where the user is in control of a plane while in a dogfight (aerial battle).

Besides gaming, virtual reality has been used in the military, engineering, architecture, education and archaeology fields. Virtual reality technology is used in the military as a training tool for soldiers. Virtual reality technology is used in engineering and architecture to crete virtual objects and structures to get a glimpse of how they may look before actually being produced. In the archaeological field, virtual reality is used to provide a look at the layout of lands in which archaeologists are studying.

Many companies have entered into the virtual reality market, most notably Sony, Google, Samsung, and most recently, Facebook. In May 2014, Sony announced its Project Morpheus, a virtual reality helmet that can be used with the Playstation 4 gaming console. Although the device has not yet been mass-produced, Sony has made great strides in the creation of it. Google entered the virtual reality industry with Street View in 2007 and most recently Google Cardboard. Google Cardboard is a small cardboard device that you can insert you smartphone into that gives you a virtual reality experience by using different applications.Google Cardboard is perhaps the most affordable virtual reality device selling anywhere from $3.00 to $10.00.

The video below explains a virtual reality gaming device. The creator explains how it works and shows him using the technology.

The virtual reality industry is a great form of immersive technology. It is a growing industry that has gained a tremendous amount of interest in the past decade. We will continue to see great improvements in the industry and a more affordable virtual reality device. Their are many uses of virtual reality and there will be many more uses to come.

Sources:

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/virtual%20reality?s=t

http://mashable.com/2015/01/29/qantas-samsung-virtual-reality/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virtual_reality#History

Images:

http://blog.vcopious.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/immersive-virtual-reality-visual-handicap3.png

http://gematsu.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/PS4-VR-Headset-GDC-Rumor.jpg

http://thenextweb.com/industry/files/2011/06/VirtualReality1.jpg

3D Printing

Immersion 2015 is a summit on Immersive Education (iED). The Immersion 2015 summit will take place in Fall, 2015 in Paris, France. This summit gathers experts on various forms of immersive education and immersive technologies. The summit includes presentations from experts in various immersive forms and technologies such as virtual reality, holograms, robotics, 3D printing, neurogames, and cybernetics. These experts will discuss the forms of iED in-depth, as well as the technologies that have been created or are being created for each form (i.e. Google Glass). More information on the 2015 iED summit can be found by going to the following link Http://summit.immersiveEducation.org and then by clicking "Don't miss it!" inside the yellow banner.

In this report I will discuss 3D printing technology. The history of 3D printing will be discussed briefly. What 3D printing is, how it works, 3D printing hardware, the costs of 3D printers, and the fields that use 3D printing will also be discussed in this report. 3D printing is one of the various immersive forms and technologies that will be discussed at immersion 2015.

The first model of any sort of 3D printer was created in 1982 by Hideo Kodama in Japan. In 1984, the first working 3D printer was created by a man named Charles Hull who worked for 3D Systems Corp. Hull is considered a pioneer in the field of 3D printing and many of his techniques are still used in todays 3D printing technology. In 1988, 3D Systems Corp. created the first commercial 3D printer that could be purchased for $187,000. In 1999, a group at the Wake Forest University School of Medicine successfully implanted a bio-printed bladder into patient in need of a transplant. Since the turn of the century, many companies have developed different 3D printers. The price of 3D printers are decreasing for the general public. The decrease in price is making 3D printers easier for consumers to purchase.

3D printing is the process of making three-dimensional objects layer by layer out of certain materials (usually plastic-like). 3D printers work much like 2D printers except instead of projecting ink, they project whatever material is being used. The nozzles of the printer project the material both horizontally and vertically in order to create the three dimensional figures. Objects ranging from writing utensils to working instruments (like the guitar below) to prosthetic limbs and even a running vehicle have all been created using 3D printers.

3D printers have been used for a number of different purposes in various fields. 3D printers have been used in the medical field to manufacture prosthetic limbs for amputees and even organs (still in the middle stages of research). Their has even been a mandible (jaw bone) that has been created using 3D printing technology. 3D printing technology is also used for a variety of purposes in the engineering, architecture, automotive, music and military fields. In the field of music a man has even created his own company where he creates 3D printed guitars that work. One of his products can be seen in the image to the right. In the video below, you can learn more about his company, how he creates working guitars, and even see him play one of his printed guitars.

Their are various companies that are producing and selling 3D printers such as Stratysys and Makerbot. For pricing information I went to Makerbot because they can be purchased by the general public whereas Stratysys produces and sells industrial 3D printers. On Makerbot's website (http://store.makerbot.com) there were 3 different printers that they had for sale. The most affordable one can be purchased, brand new, for $1,375. It is a compact 3D printer. The most expensive one can be purchased for $6,499. This one is much larger and allows the buyer to create larger objects.

3D printing is an immersive technology that has seen great advancements over the last decade. There are endless uses for 3D printers. Soon 3D printing will make production of various objects much simpler. The medical field will also greatly benefit from 3D printing. As I briefly mentioned before, 3D printing technology is being used to create bones, teeth, and even organs (possibly sooner then we think). Scientists are using tissues from a person to create organs in order to help those who are ill. 3D printing has grown a lot since the 1980s and will continue to grow.

In the link below, my professor, Professor Walsh, discusses what 3D printing is, how it works, and the many uses for it with Larry King.

http://www.ora.tv/larrykingnow/3d-printing-0_6cjt6y7epj8b

Sources:
http://store.makerbot.com

http://www.redorbit.com/education/reference_library/general-2/history-of/1112953506/the-history-of-3d-printing/

http://computer.howstuffworks.com/3-d-printing5.htm

Images

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuiI_ghR7n0OdzOTfOVzN1l_1GyzieVkuicjgoRQWBBtikMmb0A5-h6tLmareNwCfsRxxWnhYuBIavLndlENiJZtCUCKZXBPRski6GSiowGtRae3rqACHgx8kn8OUNHK7Kt6HLJWWH-moF/s1600/L_3DP_Diagram_DREAMS_Scaled.png

http://www.3ders.org/images/fabclay-3d-printer-8.jpg
http://www.andysowards.com/blog/assets/3d-printed-guitar.jpg?b91b38

Monday, February 16, 2015

Changing Facebook profile

The image above has been my profile picture for two or three years (i don't change things much). This was at an Elite 8 basketball game at the Garden a few years ago. Ohio St. beat Syracuse to advance.

This is my new profile picture. It is Fenway Park in Boston. This is a game I went to last year.

You can change your profile picture on Facebook by going to your profile (usually accessed by clicking your name in the top left). Once there, you can put your cursor on your profile image and a caption will appear that says "Update Profile Picture." Click this to change your image.

Testing Youtube

In this screenshot, you can see the Immersive Education youtube channel. On the middle right of the image you can see a gray box that says "Subscribed" with a check mark. This box will be red or blue and say "Ssubscribe if you have not subscribed to the channel yet. When the box turns gray (as seen above) it means you have successfully subscribed to that channel.

Liking a post on Facebook

In this image you can see that I have liked these two posts on the Immersive Education Facebook page. You can like a post by clicking the blue "Like" button that can usually be found below the post. It it changes from "Like" to "Unlike" it means that you have successfully liked the post.

Testing Twitter #2

These two images show a tweet posted by Professor Walsh and the prompt that appears when I retweet the tweet.

Testing Twitter

This first image is showing the tweet that Professor Walsh posted. This appeared seconds after he sent the tweet. You can discover this tweet or other tweets that contain similar information by searching the various hashtags (#IED, #Immersive, #Education, #BC).

This second image shows where to click in order to retweet the tweet. Retweeting makes this tweet visible to all of those who follow me.

Sunday, February 15, 2015

On the road to mastering Youtube

In this screenshot, you can see how to access your Youtube channel. Your Youtube channel is where all of your own video posts can be found. Your channel can be accessed by clicking the link that says "My Channel" on the left side of the page (seen in the image above). In the My Channel link, others who have subscribed to your channel can see your videos, your bio, and other accounts you may be subscribed to depending on your settings. Your channel contributes to collaboration cause it allows you to share with others your personal videos which may cover different topics or contain various types of content.

In this screenshot, you can see how to search for a Youtube video or videos. You can search for videos by clicking the magnifying glass icon or the empty text box to the left of the icon. This can usually be found on the top of page at all times. You can search just about any topic you want. You can search sports highlights, businesses, or tutorials on a wide range of things. When you search, Youtube will provide many results (much like Google) depending on how specific your search is.

In this screenshot, you can see how to subscribe to a youtube channel. You can subscribe to a channel by going to the channels web page (i.e. Youtube.com/ESPN). Once on the webpage, you can find a red rectangular box that says "Subscribe" on the upper right. Once you click the "Subscribe" button it will turn gray and display a checkmark (as shown above) that signifies that you have successfully subscribed to the channel. By subscribing to a channel, it allows you to see all of the videos posted by that page in your feed. Subscribing to a channel on Youtube contributes to collaboration because it allows you to show the creator of that specific channel that you are interested in their content.

In this screenshot, it shows how you can access your subscriptions. In the upper left hand corner of the page their is a link that says "My Subscriptions" (as shown above). By clicking this link, it will bring you to a page that displays all of the channels you are subscribed to. Depending on your settings, this information may be public to people who subscribe to your channel. This allows people to see what you may be interested in. This also allows people who may have similar interests as you to find other channels that they may also be interested in that they might not have seen.

In this screenshot, you can see how to upload a video. The "Upload" button can be found in the top right of the page at all times. By simply clicking the "Upload" button it brings you to another page that provides a walkthrough for uploading videos. Uploading videos allows you share content with the public or just people who have subscribed to your channel (depending on your settings). Uploading videos is a way to share information or even create presentations for classes.

On the road to mastering Facebook

In this screenshot, you can see how to comment on an account's post. In order to comment on a post all you have to do is click "Comment" on the bottom of the post and an empty text box will appear. Sometimes you don't have to click "comment," their may already be a text box that says "Write a comment..." Commenting on a post allows an individual to share their opinion on someones post or to ask questions about the post and/or its content. Comments also allow an individual to discuss the post with other people who can see the post. Comments are public unless you adjust your profile settings to private. Commenting contributes to collaboration because it allows people who are interested in the post to interact, as well as interact with the original poster.

In this screenshot, you can see how to "Like" a post. You can "Like" a post by clicking the blue "Like" button that can usually be found on the bottom or top left of the post. "Like" will change to "Unlike" which signifies that you successfully liked the post. By liking a post, it shows that you are interested in the content of the post. It shares this with the person that posted that particular post. It is also visible to others who like the page of the poster. Liking a post contributes to collaboration by showing other people who like that page (and sometimes your own Facebook friends) that you are interested in the content of that post.

In this screenshot, you can see how to create/send a private message. You can create and send a private message by clicking the double quote box icon usually found in the top right of the main page (can be different on cell phones or tablets). A private message allows an individual to have a private conversation with one or more of their Facebook friends that no other friends (or the general public) can see. Private messages allow people to discuss personal things or exchange things such as phone numbers, addresses, or maybe business information. People can also use private messages to share homework assignments or ask others questions. All of the examples I listed about show how private messaging contributes to collaboration.

In this screenshot, you can see how to "share" a post. You can share a post by clicking the light blue "Share" button which can usually be found on the bottom of the post. Sharing a post allows you to show your Facebook friends the post that they may have not seen otherwise. This is a great way to spread news and information. Sharing contributes to collaboration because it allows people to share information from other people or establishments that they may not have seen otherwise.

In this screenshot, you can see the empty text box that allows you to create your own post. This can usually be found at the top of the page. You can create your own post by clicking where it says "What's on your mind?" in gray letters. The gray letters will disappear upon your click and then you are free to write whatever you please. Along with simply writing a post, you can also post links to other webpages, videos, or photos. Writing a post allows you to share your opinion or interests with other people. Posting is also a way to ask others opinions. For example, you could post something along the lines of "What is your favorite baseball team?" Your Facebook friends would be able to comment and share with you their favorite baseball teams. Posting a Facebook status contributes to collaboration because it allows individuals to share things they are interested in with their Facebook friends.

On the road to mastering Twitter

In this screenshot, you can see how to "favorite" a tweet. You can favorite a tweet by clicking the star icon at the top (or the bottom in some cases) of the post. When the star icon turns gold (from gray) it means that you have successfully favorited the tweet. By hitting the "favorite" button on a tweet it means you were either interested in the post, agree with the post, or like the content (image or video) of the post. Favoriting a tweet contributes to collaboration by allowing those who follow each other to show that they share similar views or ideas. It could also simply mean you like the content of that one tweet, which could show that you and another person you may not know that well see eye to eye on something.

In this screenshot, you can see how to "follow" an account on Twitter. When you to a Twitter account, whether it is a person, team, or company, their will always be a gray button somewhere on the top left, top center, or top right that says "Follow." When you click the "follow," it will turn blue (Ex. above image) and say following. By following someone, it will allow you to see everything they post or retweet (sharing something another account has posted). Following someone or something (i.e. a business) signifies that you are friends, acquaintances, or are interested in the organization, business, or charity. Following an account on twitter contributes to collaboration by showing that person/acquaintance/organization/business/charity that you are interested in their opinion(s), content, promotions, or ideas.

In this screenshot, you can see how to reply to a tweet. You can reply to a tweet by clicking the small bent arrow to the top left (or bottom left) of the post. In this image, the bent arrow is to the top left. Replying to a tweet allows you to share your opinion with the person who posted the original tweet. Replying to a tweet also allows you to interact with the account that posted the original tweet. Replies are public, which means that other followers of the account in which you are replying to or your own followers, can see the conversation. Replies contribute to collaboration because it allows two or more people to interact and share opinions on something.

In this screenshot, you can see how to "retweet" a tweet. You can retweet an account's tweet by clicking on the two arrows that make a circle (gray in color). When the circling arrows turn green in color, it means that you have successfully retweeted the post.Retweeting a tweet allows you to share a post from another account with all of your own followers who may not follow that account. Retweeting contributes to collaboration because it allows you to share another persons views, opinions, promotions, or content with people who may not have seen it otherwise. Retweets are a great way to make an announcement. For example I could post a tweet about a sporting event being cancelled and could rely on people to retweet and spread the word to people who may not have known about the cancellation otherwise.

In this screenshot, you can see how to create your own tweet. In order to create your own tweet you simply click the red (or blue) rectangular "Tweet" button. When you click the "Tweet" button an empty text box will appear. In this box you can type whatever you want as long as it is 140 characters or less. You can also post images, videos, or links to webpages in a tweet. Tweets allow an individual to share their opinions, ideas, or interests with their followers. Tweeting contributes to collaboration because it allows for an individual,organization, or business to interact with their followers.

Class 3, Assignment 1: Making Friends on Twitter, YouTube and Facebook

I followed, friend requested, and subscribed to Minsup and Demetri's social media accounts.