This book presents explorable XR environments—their rationale, concept, architectures as well as methods and tools for spatial-temporal composition based on domain knowledge, including geometrical, presentational, structural and behavioral elements. Explorable XR environments enable monitoring, analyzing, comprehending, examining and controlling users’ and objects’ behavior and features as well as users’ skills, experience, interests and preferences. The E-XR approach proposed in this book relies on two main pillars. The first is knowledge representation technologies, such as logic programming, description logics and the semantic web, which permit automated reasoning and queries. The second is imperative programming languages, which are a prevalent solution for building XR environments. Potential applications of E-XR are in a variety of domains, e.g., education, training, medicine, design, tourism, marketing, merchandising, engineering and entertainment. The book’s readers will understand the emerging domain of explorable XR environments with their possible applications. Special attention is given to an in-depth discussion of the field with taxonomy and classification of the available related solutions. Examples and design patterns of knowledge-based composition and exploration of XR behavior are provided, and an extensive evaluation and analysis of the proposed approach is included. This book helps researchers in XR systems, 3D modeling tools and game engines as well as lecturers and students who search for clearly presented information supported by use cases. For XR and game programmers as well as graphic designers, the book is a valuable source of information and examples in XR development. Professional software and web developers may find the book interesting as the proposed ideas are illustrated by rich examples demonstrating design patterns and guidelines in object-oriented, procedural and declarative programming.

The book explores a cognitive load perspective on instructional guidance. Cognitive load theory is focused on instructional design implications and prescriptions that flow from human cognitive architecture, and it has become one of the leading theories of instructional design. According to this theoretical perspective, the purpose of instructional guidance is to reduce learner potential cognitive overload by providing appropriate information in the right time and in a suitable format. As the learner’s level of prior knowledge is considered as the main factor influencing this decision, the effect of learner prior knowledge on effectiveness of instructional methods (the expertise reversal effect in cognitive load theory) provides the basic framework for the book. The fully-guided direct instruction and minimally-guided inquiry (discovery or exploratory) learning are often discussed in instructional psychology literature as examples of approaches with opposed degrees of guidance provided to the learners. This book considers the whole range of the levels of guidance (including intermediate levels) and approaches the problem of balancing learner guidance from a cognitive load perspective. The significance of this approach is in applying our current knowledge of human cognitive architecture to develop an integrated instructional approach bringing together the best features and advantages of direct instruction and inquiry learning. Both direct instruction and inquiry learning approaches have been around for long time, and their proponents can produce evidence of their effectiveness. This evidence needs to be treated within the context of appropriate learning goals in specific instructional settings for specific types of learners. This book provides an unbiased theoretical framework for managing learner instructional guidance and working principles for selecting appropriate levels and methods of instructional guidance (e.g., sequences of exploratory problems and explicit instruction; forms and levels of embedded guidance; and adapting methodologies) optimal for learners at different levels of prior knowledge.

Understanding Augmented Reality addresses the elements that are required to create augmented reality experiences. The technology that supports augmented reality will come and go, evolve and change. The underlying principles for creating exciting, useful augmented reality experiences are timeless. Augmented reality designed from a purely technological perspective will lead to an AR experience that is novel and fun for one-time consumption - but is no more than a toy. Imagine a filmmaking book that discussed cameras and special effects software, but ignored cinematography and storytelling! In order to create compelling augmented reality experiences that stand the test of time and cause the participant in the AR experience to focus on the content of the experience - rather than the technology - one must consider how to maximally exploit the affordances of the medium. Understanding Augmented Reality addresses core conceptual issues regarding the medium of augmented reality as well as the technology required to support compelling augmented reality. By addressing AR as a medium at the conceptual level in addition to the technological level, the reader will learn to conceive of AR applications that are not limited by today's technology. At the same time, ample examples are provided that show what is possible with current technology. - Explore the different techniques, technologies and approaches used in developing AR applications - Learn from the author's deep experience in virtual reality and augmented reality applications to succeed right off the bat, and avoid many of the traps that catch new developers and users of augmented reality experiences - Some AR examples can be experienced from within the book using downloadable software

Over the years, new IT approaches have manifested, including digital transformation, cloud computing, and the internet of things (IoT). They have had a profound impact on the population, including libraries. Many organizations can save on their IT budget by adopting these new approaches because they provide technology in easier ways, often at lower costs and to the benefit of users. Emerging Trends and Impacts of the Internet of Things in Libraries is a critical research publication that explores advancing technologies, specifically the internet of things, and their applications within library settings. Moreover, the book will provide insights and explore case studies on smart libraries. Featuring a wide range of topics such as smart technology, automation, and robotics, this book is ideal for librarians, professionals, academicians, computer scientists, researchers, and students working in the fields of library science, information and communication sciences, and information technology.

Today’s Comprehensive and Authoritative Guide to Augmented Reality By overlaying computer-generated information on the real world, augmented reality (AR) amplifies human perception and cognition in remarkable ways. Working in this fast-growing field requires knowledge of multiple disciplines, including computer vision, computer graphics, and human-computer interaction. Augmented Reality: Principles and Practice integrates all this knowledge into a single-source reference, presenting today’s most significant work with scrupulous accuracy. Pioneering researchers Dieter Schmalstieg and Tobias Höllerer carefully balance principles and practice, illuminating AR from technical, methodological, and user perspectives. Coverage includes Displays: head-mounted, handheld, projective, auditory, and haptic Tracking/sensing, including physical principles, sensor fusion, and real-time computer vision Calibration/registration, ensuring repeatable, accurate, coherent behavior Seamless blending of real and virtual objects Visualization to enhance intuitive understanding Interaction–from situated browsing to full 3D interaction Modeling new geometric content Authoring AR presentations and databases Architecting AR systems with real-time, multimedia, and distributed elements This guide is indispensable for anyone interested in AR, including developers, engineers, students, instructors, researchers, and serious hobbyists.

Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) provide flexibility in education and have become widely used for the promotion of multimedia learning. This use coincides with mobile devices becoming prevalent, VR devices becoming more affordable, and the creation of user-friendly software that allows the development of AR/VR applications by non-experts. However, because the integration of AR and VR into education is a fairly new practice that is only in its initial stage, these processes and outcomes need to be improved. Designing, Deploying, and Evaluating Virtual and Augmented Reality in Education is an essential research book that presents current practices and procedures from different technology-implementation stages (design, deployment, and evaluation) to help educators use AR/VR applications in their own teaching practices. The book provides comprehensive information on AR and VR applications in different educational settings from various perspectives including but not limited to mobile learning, formal/informal learning, and integration strategies with practical and/or theoretical implications. Barriers and challenges to their implementation that are currently faced by educators are also addressed. This book is ideal for academicians, instructors, curriculum designers, policymakers, instructional designers, researchers, education professionals, practitioners, and students.

Designing Immersive 3D Experiences can help any visual designer move into the fast-growing fields of 3D and extended reality (XR) design. Leading designer Ren e Stevens ( Powered by Design) introduces a proven approach and an effective design thinking process you can use to create outstanding, immersive user experiences. Stevens guides you through creating your first XR project - and improving every project after that. Drawing on her experience building a major university's first course in Augmented Reality, she prepares visual designers to succeed with 3D and XR design in environments from mobile and web to wearables. Stevens begins by exploring what XR and 3D immersive design are, how they're evolving, and how you may already be using them. Next, she explores core concepts and technologies, from computer-human interaction to projection mapping and head-mounted displays. Then, you'll walk through projects from start to finish, learning how to: Perform upfront ideation for new XR/3D projects: set "why" goals, balance innovation with practicality, and keep it all human Build seamless and approachable user experiences and interfaces Prototype XR experiences Account for perception and other human factors Augment typography, color, audio, and voice Take your next steps with XR design, and more