Augmented Realities

What is Augmented Reality?

Augmented reality (AR) is a live, direct or indirect, view of a physical, real-world environment whose elements are augmented by computer-generated sensory input such as sound, video, graphics or GPS data. It is related to a more general concept called mediated reality, in which a view of reality is modified (possibly even diminished rather than augmented) by a computer. As a result, the technology functions by enhancing one’s current perception.

Types of augmented realities:

Common types of augmented reality include projection, recognition, location and outline, which you can observe, for example via television, handheld devices and head-mounted displays (like goggles).  

• Projection

Perhaps the most common type of augmented reality, projection uses virtual imagery to augment what you see live. Televised sporting events frequently utilize this type of augmented reality, such as in football games when the line of scrimmage and the yardage needed for a first down are indicated with virtual, colored bands (they are not actually on the field). According to PersonalizeMedia.com, projection can also be interactive. Some devices can track movements and sounds with a camera and then respond. Virtual or projection keyboards, which you can project onto to almost any flat surface and use, are examples of augmented reality devices that use interactive projection.

Example - http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=wjrylXl0tTk

Useful link - http://web.media.mit.edu/~raskar/UNC/Tabletop/

• Recognition

Recognition is a type of augmented reality that uses the recognition of shapes, faces or other real world items to provide supplementary virtual information to you in real-time during everyday situations. According to arstechnica.com, a handheld device such as a smart phone (with the proper programming), could use recognition to read product bar codes and provide relevant information such as reviews and prices or to read faces and then provide links to a person’s social networking profile (or profiles)

Example - http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=frrZbq2LpwI

Useful link - https://www.google.co.in/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&ei=h8O-UqyEGoGMrAeUk4CgBg&url=http://graphics.usc.edu/cgit/publications/papers/mmsys14a-guan.pdf&cd=10&ved=0CGEQFjAJ&usg=AFQjCNEV3j9jiCkYPMpzjPWJwMa1b2aJhQ&sig2=qkv7XpUftdixpaLYtpr13A

• Location

According to PersonalizeMedia.com, location uses triangulation technology, such as GPS, to instantaneously provide you with relevant directional information. For example, according to arstechnica.com, you can use a smart phone with GPS to determine your location, and then have onscreen arrows–superimposed over a live image of what’s in front of you–point you in the direction of where you need to go. This technology can also be used to locate nearby public transportation stations.

Example - http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=4OhSLI2cbn8

Useful link - http://www.ijser.org/researchpaper%5CLocation-Based-Augmented-Reality.pdf

• Outline

Outline is a type of augmented reality that according to PersonalizeMedia.com merges the outline of your body or a part of your body with virtual materials, allowing you to pick up and otherwise manipulate objects that do not exist in reality. One example of this can be found at some museums and science centers in the form of virtual volleyball. Although you stand and move on an actual court, the ball is projected on a wall behind you, and you control it with an outline of yourself, which is also projected on the wall.