AUGMENTED REALITY

AUGMENTED REALITY 

  

Augmented reality (AR) is a live direct or indirect view of a physical, real-world environment whose elements are augmented(or supplemented) 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 of reality.^[1] By contrast, virtual reality replaces the real world with a simulated one.^[2][3] 

Augmentation is conventionally in real-time and in semantic context with environmental elements, such as sports scores on TV during a match. With the help of advanced AR technology (e.g. adding computer vision and object recognition) the information about the surrounding real world of the user becomes interactive and digitally manipulable. Artificial information about the environment and its objects can be overlaid on the real world.

1.      Samsung SARI AR SDK marker less tracker used in the AR EdiBeargame (Android OS)

2.      NASA X38 display showing video map overlays including runways and obstacles during flight test in 2000.

TECHNOLOGY REQUIREMENTS

HARDWARE: Hardware components for augmented reality are: processor, display, sensors and input devices. Modern mobile computing devices like smartphones and tablet computers contain these elements which often include a camera and MEMS sensors such as accelerometer, GPS, and solid state compass, making them suitable AR platforms

Display, Head-mounted, Eyeglasses, HUD, Contact lenses,Virtual retinal display, EyeTap, Handheld, Spatial, Tracking, Input devices, Computer

 

SOFTWARE AND ALGORITHMS:

A key measure of AR systems is how realistically they integrate augmentations with the real world. The software must derive real world coordinates, independent from the camera, from camera images. That process is called image registration which uses different methods of computer vision, mostly related to video tracking.^[48][49]Many computer vision methods of augmented reality are inherited from visual odometry

Augmented Reality Markup Language (ARML) is a data standard developed within the Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC),^[52] which consists of an XML grammar to describe the location and appearance of virtual objects in the scene, as well as ECMAScript bindings to allow dynamic access to properties of virtual objects.

APPLICATIONS

Augmented reality has many applications. First used for military, industrial, and medical applications, it has also been applied to commercial and entertainment areas.

Archaeology

AR can be used to aid archaeological research, by augmenting archaeological features onto the modern landscape, enabling archaeologists to formulate conclusions about site placement and configuration.^[63]

Another application given to AR in this field is the possibility for users to rebuild ruins, buildings, or even landscapes as they formerly existed

Military

The Heads-Up Display (HUD) is the typical example of augmented reality when it comes to military applications of the technology. A transparent display is positioned directly in the fighter pilots view. Data typically displayed to the pilot includes altitude, airspeed and the horizon line in addition to other critical data. The term "heads-up" comes from the fact that the pilot doesn't have to look down at the aircraft's instrumentation to get the data they need.

The Head-Mounted Display (HMD) is used by ground troops. Critical data such as enemy location can be presented to the soldier within their line of sight. This technology is also used for simulations for training purposes.

Medical

There have been really interesting advances in medical application of augmented reality. Medical students use the technology to practice surgery in a controlled environment. Visualizations aid in explaining complex medical conditions to patients. Augmented reality can reduce the risk of an operation by giving the surgeon improved sensory perception. This technology can be combined with MRI or X-ray systems and bring everything into a single view for the surgeon.

Navigation

Navigation applications are possibly the most natural fit of augmented reality with our everyday lives. Enhanced GPS systems are using augmented reality to make it easier to get from point A to point B. Wikitude Drive for the Android operating system which is currently in beta brings the GPS into the 21st century. Using the phone's camera in combination with the GPS, the users see the selected route over the live view of what is in front of the car.