Augmented reality could break down language barriers

augmented reality glasses patent (note: these are not real ar)

Company aims to make augmented reality more practical

Augmented reality is typically seen as an entertainment tool or marketing gimmick. The practical uses of the technology are relatively few and somewhat poorly understood. While augmented reality is not a new technology, its capabilities are still being discovered. As ambitious developers continue to push the boundaries of augmented reality, they are beginning to find very practical uses for the technology that had gone ignored for several years. NTT Docomo, a Japanese telecommunications company, believes that augmented reality could help break down language barriers that exist between countries.

AR system could be a boon for tourists

Japan is set to host the 2020 Olympic Games and the country has already begun planning for the auspicious event well ahead of schedule. NTT Docomo expects to see a proverbial tide of tourists come to Japan from other countries. Many of these people are not likely to be versed in the Japanese language, which may make it difficult to navigate cities or eat at local restaurants. While not everyone visiting Japan will be able to hire a translator dedicated to following them around, a pair of augmented reality glasses may do the trick.

Note: These are not real augmented reality glassesSystem capable of translating Japanese into English

NTT Docomo has developed an augmented reality headset that is meant to translate Japanese into a user’s native language. A British tourist, for instance, will be able to use the headset to translate Japanese characters into English. The augmented reality system is expected to make it easier for tourists to find their way around cities and order food when visiting eateries. The system is also equipped with facial recognition and image recognition technology, allowing it to produce augmented reality content in a dynamic fashion.

Practicality of augmented reality to be put to the test

Google is often considered the pioneer of wearable augmented reality systems, but the company is not the only one developing such devices. NTT Docomo is relatively new to augmented reality, but the company has already become quite comfortable with its use. Leveraging the power of augmented reality to break down language barriers is likely to show off the practical uses of the technology.

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