Pingtime brings trippy augmented reality to the world of ping pong

Augmented reality may just be the coolest thing that’s ever happened to the game of ping pong.

With a neat augmented reality experiment called Pingtime, a group of Romanian designers is trying to figure out how technology can enhance even the most simple of tabletop sports.

Pingtime uses an infrared camera to track the ball and a surface display that visually reacts to the ball’s position in real time. The result is both impressive and somewhat trippy.

While Pingtime looks especially cool, the project has a deeper, more interesting purpose. “Pingtime takes a look into how real-time generated computer responses are affecting reaction time in fast gameplay situations,” according to its developers.

Essentially, Pingtime is trying to make a tough sport a bit tougher by distracting you and seeing how you react. More of this, please.