AGUMENTED REALITY

Augmented reality (AR) is a general term for a collection of technologies used to blend computer generated information with the viewer’s natural senses. Augmented reality displays superimposed information in the field of view of a user and immerse them into a new world where reality and virtual worlds are coupled. Augmented reality enhances the real world by adding virtual objects, sounds and other sensory input that can be seen, heard and felt.

There are several types of augmented reality and they are; marker-based augmented reality, mark less augmented reality, projection-based augmented reality and superimposed-based augmented reality.

Marker-based augmented reality uses a physical marker, such as a QR code to trigger the display of digital content.

Markless augmented reality uses devices such as a camera and sensors to detect the environment and display digital content without the need for a physical marker.

Projection-based augmented reality uses a projector to display digital content onto a physical surface.

Superimposed- based augmented reality overlaps digital content onto a real world object or environment.

Augmented reality systems consist of several components that work together to provide an immersive and interactive experience. These components are categorized as the hardware and software components.

The hardware components of an augmented reality system are as follows; display device, camera, sensor, processor and memory.

The display device of an augmented reality system is a device that displays the augmented reality experience such as a smartphone, tablet or smart glasses.

The camera of an augmented reality system is used to capture the real world environment and tracks the user’s movements.

The sensors in an augmented reality system track the users movements using sensors such as accelerometer, gyroscope and magnetometers.

The processors in an augmented reality system handle the computational demands of the augmented reality experience such as the GPU or CPU.

The memory of an augmented reality system is used to store the augmented reality content such as images, videos and 3D models.

The software component of an augmented reality system is as follows; augmented reality engine, augmented reality content, tracking algorithm and rendering engine.

The augmented reality engine is the software that powers the augmented reality experience, providing tools for developers to create and deploy augmented reality content.

The augmented reality content is a digital content that is overlaid onto the real world, such as images, videos and 3D models.

The tracking algorithm is the software that tracks the users movements and aligns the digital content with the real world.

The rendering engine is the software that renders the augmented reality experience in real time taking into accounts the user’s movements and environment.

The advantages of augmented reality system are as follows; it provides an immersive and interactive experience that can enhance the user’s experience. Augmented reality systems can improve productivity by providing users with real time information and guidance. Augmented reality systems can provide interactive and immersive training experience that can improve knowledge retention and skill development. Augmented reality systems can provide accessibility features for people with disabilities such as visual or hearing impairment.

The disadvantages of augmented reality systems are as follows; augmented reality requires advanced technical capabilities, including high quality displays and sensors. Developing and implementing augmented reality solutions and content can be very expensive. Augmented reality systems may require users to learn new skills and adapt to new technologies. Augmented reality systems may raise privacy concerns such as the collection of user’s data and location information.

Augmented reality systems find widespread applications in most areas of human life such as ; gaming and entertainment, education and training, retail, marketing and advertising, healthcare, research and so on.

The future of augmented reality systems is predicated on the trends, advances and development of the following technologies; advances in both hardware and software components of augmented reality systems such as display, sensor and processing technologies will impact positively on the overall quality, reliability and efficiency of augmented reality systems. It is expected that augmented reality system use will be more prevalent particularly in all areas of human life. Hopefully augmented reality system will be integrated with other future technologies such as artificial intelligence, internet of things and a host of other new technologies to create a more advanced interface, immersive and interactive experience.

 

SOURCES:

• Augmented reality for developers by Jonathan Linowes and Krystian Babilinski.
• Augmented reality: a practical guide to development by Dan M.V Le.
• Augmented reality: Principles and practice by Dieter Schmalstico.
• Augments essential guide to augmented reality by Dennis Williams II and Jean-Francis Chantetta.
• Augmented reality: where we will all live by Jon Reddle.