Augmented Reality (AR) is one of the most powerful trends in technology companies that complements the picture of reality with virtual reality objects.
The term "augmented reality" is used to describe computer applications that provide extended information to the user. With AR, information is always directly related to the real environment.
The purpose of augmented reality is to identify the specific features of the physical world, understand these functions and obtain intelligent and accessible information that can be applied to real applications. Such big data can help companies make decisions and gain insight into consumer habits.
AR Technology Components
- Software: mathematical algorithms that allow the camera to see and recognize a marker in the surrounding space.
- Sensors: digital cameras and other optical sensors, accelerometers, GPS, gyroscopes, solid state compasses, RFID and wireless sensors.
- Input devices: microphones, touch screens, gesture devices, styluses, pointers, gloves.
- Output device: smart glasses, lenses, laptops, TV, monitor, smartphones and tablets.
Types of AR
Augmented reality comes in several types:
1. Marker-based technology
A marker is a special viewing description, such as a QR code. It is recognized by the camera, and then digital 3D animations are created on top.
2. Marker-free technology
This technology does not require physical markers to place objects in real space. The device must recognize the elements as they appear in the field of view. The environment is gridded and the key points to which the virtual model snaps are found.
3. Based on projections
This species uses artificial light projected onto a physical surface. It is used on holograms, such as in "Star Wars" and other science fiction films.
4. Based on superposition
In this case, the original object is completely or partially replaced by a representation of the same object. For example, users can place a virtual piece of furniture on top of an image of a room at scale.
How does augmented reality work?
AR is applied in different ways - you can use a mask to look like some kind of character, or see how the technique will look on your table. Augmented reality can also allow you to find a direction in shopping centers or virtually try on glasses.
To show the user relevant content, augmented reality uses computer vision, simultaneous localization, depth mapping and tracking (sensor data that calculates the distance to objects). This allows cameras to collect, send and process data to display digital content corresponding to what the user is looking at.
Pokemon GO is a perfect example of how AR works. The user walks with a smartphone, and the device, in turn, fixes the environment and improves it with a variety of visual effects, icons, characters and other various elements.
Applications of augmented reality
The possibilities of using AR technologies are almost limitless and can be applied in almost all aspects of life. Consider some examples of their use in real life:
1. Maintenance and training
Augmented reality technology can be a good tool for after-sales service or training the consumer to use purchased goods. AR technologies that are easily loaded onto the device can become instructions for assembling, using or repairing the device.
2. Education
The Google Expedition app can make learning more interactive with special tours in which students can view different objects while the teacher talks about them.
3. Marketing
With augmented reality, brands can run more creative interactive advertising companies, thereby attracting additional attention to their products. For example, to advertise the series "The Walking Dead," an AR system was installed at the bus stop that "brought" virtual zombies to the real world.
4. Tourism
For new generations, it has become more familiar to know the world through direct interaction. Thus, the Catalan National Museum of Art began to use AR for better navigation along numerous corridors and for interactive acquaintance with exhibits.
5. Medicine
Vipaar has proposed a solution that combines telemedicine and AR. Using Google Glass glasses and the Vipaar application, surgeons from a distance can assist colleagues, design their actions on the glasses of the surgeon conducting the operation.
6. Design
It is much easier to equip an apartment using AR applications. Instead of imagining whether a certain element is suitable in the architecture and design of the room, you can simply substitute furniture into your interior virtually.
7. Aviation
AR has long been used by military pilots in the United States, Japan and other developed countries. Special displays and helmets display information about fighter systems and contribute to more accurate targeting. Augmented reality also begins to penetrate the sphere of civil aviation. For example, Aero Glass has developed special AR glasses that help the pilot navigate space, follow the route and receive additional information during the flight.
8. Shopping
During your stay in the supermarket, AR-based applications are able to help orient a large number of product rows and find the best way to the desired product. In addition, it is also possible to get additional information about discounts and good offers.
The use of augmented reality technology has wide prospects for use in traditional areas (information technology, trade, entertainment, etc.), as well as in solving specialized tasks (accompanied by engineering and educational processes, military activities and astronautics).