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 What is the Digital Binocular Station?
The Digital Binocular Station (DBS) is based on a traditional binocular station, but adds a layer of digital content between the user and their view of the real world.
The user’s view of the world is augmented with digital content, which can appear to be anchored to the real world so that as the binocular station is rotated, both the real world and the digital content move as one. Common names for this concept are “Augmented Reality” (AR) and “Mixed Reality”. Digital content that can be used includes video, still images, audio and text.
The Digital Binocular Station is most effective when the digital content has meaningful ties to an interesting real location. Therefore, choosing the right location in which to install the Digital Binocular Station is important. applications
How Does the Digital Binocular Station Work?
The Digital Binocular Station has a number of components in common with many traditional binocular stations:
- A central pole supporting the viewing head. This also houses a payment receiver (e.g. coin or card receiver)
- A raised foot rail allowing children to reach the eyepiece
- A viewing head that rotates side to side and up and down.
In addition, the DBS includes the following extra components:
- A digital display, viewed through the eyepiece
- Specialised optics that place the image at a convincing focal depth. These can also display stereoscopic 3D content to give a convincing feeling of depth, and so that when an object flies toward your head, you duck!
- An overhead digital display, which can be used for promotion when not in use, and to mirror what is shown through the eyepiece when in use
- Speakers near the eyepiece to provide immersive audio
- A small, concealed computer that drives the displays and speakers
- Very precise rotation sensors which tell the computer where the station is pointing, so that it can generate the appropriate imagery.
The DBS can also include the following optional components:
- Cameras can be mounted in the front of the viewing head, enabling live video to be placed behind the computer generated imagery. The alternative is a pre-recorded background, which negates problems of bad weather, time of day and other visitors standing in front of the stations, etc.
 Interactive devices can be added near the user’s hands – a dial to turn back time, buttons to trigger certain events, etc.- A Digital Binocular Station can be activated by coin (e.g. coin-operated), token or access card. Therefore, can be paid for onsite or bundled with the admission fee.
- Multiple varieties of token or access card allow the ability to sell multiple different experiences, i.e. different cards can trigger different experiences.
- Access card also offers a high degree of automation and flexibility. For example, it can collect customer behavior data that can be used to optimise binocular station content, staffing levels and marketing strategies.
Why install Digital Binocular Stations at your location?
- They generate revenue, using flexible charging options. Our Digital Binocular Stations can generate revenue in three ways:
- Increased ticket prices or pay-per-view.
- Increased visitor numbers. New experiences can increase repeat local visitors.
- Increased visitor retention time.
- They offer a unique, memorable tourist experience, increasing the accessibility and relevance of your location.
- Digital Binocular Stations are easy to use as they are based upon a well known tourist device. People are familiar and comfortable using them.
- They provide a consistent and reliable user experience – not affected by weather or daylight hours.
- They are robust and automated, so require minimal maintenance and staff attendance.
- Our Digital Binocular Stations are Affordable - available to lease, and can be paid for by a fraction of the revenue collected.
For more information, please contact us.
For example content and use cases, see applications.
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