The semaphore project

Semaphore is a fully immersive interactive installation that draws on the shutter tower concept, which uses coded data and light to communicate information. The installation utilises a new visual computer technology called augmented reality. This technology has been made available through collaboration with the HITLabNZ (Human Interface Technology Laboratory, New Zealand www.hitlabnz.org), at the University of Canterbury. The HITLabNZ is directed by Dr Mark Billinghurst. Dr Raphael Grasset worked closely with me, to facilitate the implementation of this technology. The artwork consists of three shutter towers, a large central tower and two smaller towers, which together represent a visual telegraph line.

Acrylic contour maps between the towers represent the terrain between the towers.

 

The installation includes a computer and virtual reality headset with camera. The audience experiences the installation by donning a virtual reality headset. This allows them to enter into a fully immersive environment. Once in the environment they experience a mixed reality world. They simultaneously witness the real world e.g. the installation and people in the gallery; and virtual objects that do not belong in the real world.

...