Augmented reality

  Melvin       January 30, 2020

Augmented Reality (AR) turns the environment around you into a digital interface by placing virtual objects in the real world, in real_time. The origin of the word “Augmented” is  Augment, which means to add something. As both virtual and real worlds harmoniously coexist, users of augmented experience a new and improved world where virtual information is used as a tool to provide assistance in everyday activities. In the case of augmented reality (AR) graphics, sounds, and touch feedback are added into our natural world. The first functional AR systems that provided immersive mixed reality experiences for users were invented in the early 1990s, starting with the Virtual Fixtures system developed at the U.S Air Force’s Amstrong Labs in 1992. Augmented Reality is also transforming the world of education, where content may be accessed by scanning or viewing an image with a mobile device.

Augmented Reality can be used on all screens and connected devices:

-Through Mobile devices like Smartphones and Tablets, Augmented Reality acts like a magic window.

-On PC and connected TV players, AR works through a webcam and relayed through the screen.

-On head-mounted displays, glasses, and lenses AR becomes a part of your entire field of view, making for more life-like Augmented Reality experiences.

Categories of Augmented realities are :

Marker-based Augmented Reality

Marker-based Augmented Reality(also called Image Recognition) uses a camera and some type of visual markers, such as QR/2D code, to produce a result only when the marker is sensed by a reader. Marker-based applications use a camera on the device to distinguish a marker from any other real-world object.

Markerless Augmented Reality

Markerless(also called location-based, position-based or GPS) augmented reality, uses a GPS, digital compass, velocity meter, or accelerometer which is embedded in the device to provide data based on your location. It is commonly used for mapping directions, finding nearby businesses, and other location-centric mobile applications.

Projection-based Augmented Reality.

Projection-based augmented reality works by projecting artificial light onto real-world surfaces. Projection-based augmented reality applications allows for human interaction by sending light onto a real-world surface and then sensing the human interaction of that projected light.

Superimposition based Augmented Reality.

Superimposition based augmented reality either partially or fully replaces the original view with a newly augmented view of that same object. In superimposition based augmented reality, object recognition plays a vital role because the application cannot replace the original view with an augmented one if it cannot determine what the object is.

Key components to Augmented Reality Devices are:

- Sensors and cameras.

-Projection

-Processing

-Reflection.

Application of Augmented reality :

Aviation :

Southern California technology firm Aero Glass is currently testing a very exciting application of augmented reality. Using a lightweight  AR head-mounted display from Epson, Osterhout Design Group or others, Aero Glass overlays flight path and instrument data over a pilot’s vision. The pilot can access data over without taking their eyes off the skies, and without spending valuable time struggling with physical controls or a touch interface.

Construction :

AR allows users to maintain full awareness of the real world but superimposes additional information onto the user’s surroundings. As the hardware becomes more economically viable for mass deployment and the user interfaces become more and more accessible, AR could transform the way structures are built. Workers could wear headsets like the DAQRI Smart Helmet as they work, maintaining a steady view of the building plans as they bring them to life. Materials and fixtures could be quickly and easily put into a precise alignment, without the need to consult paper documents.

Design:

SmartReality app is a fascinating convergence of smartphones, designed for architectural professionals, users upload their plans to the service to be converted into smartReality-compatible files such as virtual reality and augmented reality. In AR SmartReality creates an instant 3D model on a tabletop or other surface. Both functions of the application represent an exciting new way for architects to interact with their creations before they are built. By relying on paper plans, the software allows architects to skip the learning curve, and use their already-developed skills and knowledge to update their designs in the virtual world.

Augment was created to help sales professionals better communicate with their clients, but is especially useful in the architecture and interior design fields. The software overlays 3D models in the real world. It requires no hardware other than an ordinary smartphone or tablet and is very accessible and easy to use. Looking at a physical space through the device screen, the user can seamlessly add 3D models, sizing and rotating them as needed.

By downloading an app called Ikea augmented reality furniture catalog and scanning selected pages in their printed or digital catalog, users can place virtual Ikea furniture in their own homes with the help of augmented reality.

Medicine:

Medical professionals can reduce risk when operating on patients if they know exactly what they need to do. A display that responds dynamically to a doctor can be invaluable during operation, such as by displaying the patient’s vital signs. Elsewhere, hospital staff will find responding to an in-patient much easier if they know what they are expecting. The patients’s medical records can quickly be send to a nurse as they make their way to the room, allowing the nurses to prepare for any issues arising.

Tourism:

The leisure industry has had a field day following the success of Pokemon Go, with Buisnesses suddently seeing a much larger number of people in the streets without antwhere specific to go.The potential of the game lies in how operators respond to the game’s popurality.

Travel:

Frequent travelers knows thar keeping up to date with any potential changes in schedule can be tiresome. Augmented reality offers a platform for solutions based on their current location. For instance, a late-night arrival can find out where the closest hotel is, read its reviews then figure out how to get there, all without needing to takeout their smartphone.

Media and Journalism:

For journalists and reporters, AR can potentially help them cover breaking news stories effectively.They can be informed of developments whilst en-route to the scene, and keep up to date on reactions to the story.For everyone else,AR technology can be crucial in informing them of nearby incidence such as accidents to avoid. Instead of having to check social media, they can be instantly told about an incident in their current area, as well as the exit routes available.

Barriers:

Although going forward AR seems to have a huge potential market, there are some factors which could slow down mass adoption of  augmented reality.Some of the factors are :

Public Awareness and reach of Mobile AR.

Technological Limitations.

Addressing Privacy Issues.

Mobile Internet Connectivity in Emerging Markets.