Augmented reality is often assumed to be limited to the single-person wearable technology of headsets like Google Glass, Epson Moverio and others — but that would be overlooking the obvious possibilities of projector-based AR. For example, in a recent issue of “the Curated Architechnologist” (if you are not a subscriber, just follow this link for a free trial) we shared an article from Gizmodo, “Augmented Reality Climbing Walls Turn Mountaineering Into a Game” with a brilliant example of using projected augmented reality to mountaineering into a game (direct link).

Obviously, the major hurdle of projected AR is the projector itself, they are often large and expensive and definitely not portable… until you consider the pico projector (also called a handheld or pocket projector or “mini beamer”).

Recently, TouchPico launched a campaign on the IndieGogo crowd funding site to begin production of a pico projector with all the potential of an Android-based device and an infrared stylus. Simply, their goal is to create a “tiny handheld projector that turns any surface into a giant 80″ interactive touchscreen”. According to the developer, the TouchPico is slightly heavier than a Samsung S4 phone and just about the same size.

The possibility of bringing projected AR to the public could be a very useful tool, especially for purposes of instruction or safety. Consider the potential of interactive directional signals in real space in case of a fire or footsteps to follow in an augmented reality dance class.

The TouchPico campaign has exceeded it’s funding goal, but special discount offers are still available through the IndieGogo campain page — contribute and select your perk by clicking the button below.

[button link=”http://igg.me/at/touch-pico/x/8485502″ style=”info” window=”yes”]Contibute & Select Your TouchPico Perk[/button]