What is Augmented Reality?What is Augmented Reality?
Augmented realityAugmented reality ( (ARAR) is a field of ) is a field of
computer research which deals with the computer research which deals with the
combination of real-world and computer-combination of real-world and computer-
generated data.generated data.
Most of the AR research is currently Most of the AR research is currently
concerned with the use of video imagery concerned with the use of video imagery
which is digitally processed and which is digitally processed and
augmented by adding computer-generated augmented by adding computer-generated
graphics.graphics.
Augmented vs. Virtual RealityAugmented vs. Virtual Reality
One of the identifying marks of a virtual reality One of the identifying marks of a virtual reality
system is the head mounted display worn by system is the head mounted display worn by
users. users.
These displays block out all the external world These displays block out all the external world
and present to the wearer a view that is under and present to the wearer a view that is under
the complete control of the computer.the complete control of the computer.
In Augmented Reality, the user must still be In Augmented Reality, the user must still be
aware that he or she is present in the “real aware that he or she is present in the “real
world.”world.”
How does AR Work?How does AR Work?
The basic idea of augmented reality is to The basic idea of augmented reality is to
superimpose graphics, audio and other sense superimpose graphics, audio and other sense
enhancements over a real-world environment in enhancements over a real-world environment in
real-time.real-time.
The graphics will then change to accommodate The graphics will then change to accommodate
the user’s eye or head movements.the user’s eye or head movements.
Simulated augmented reality medical image
What is needed?What is needed?
There are three components needed in order to There are three components needed in order to
make an augmented-reality system work:make an augmented-reality system work:
•Head-mounted displayHead-mounted display
•Tracking systemTracking system
•Mobile computing powerMobile computing power
Current Uses of ARCurrent Uses of AR
Yellow first down line Yellow first down line
used on TV broadcasts used on TV broadcasts
of football games:of football games:
•Real world elements: Real world elements:
football field and football field and
playersplayers
•Virtual element: the Virtual element: the
yellow line drawn yellow line drawn
over the image by over the image by
computers in real-computers in real-
timetime
Current Uses of ARCurrent Uses of AR
HUD (Head Up HUD (Head Up
Display):Display):
•Used in commercial Used in commercial
aircraft, automobiles, aircraft, automobiles,
and other applicationsand other applications
•Presents data without Presents data without
requiring the user to requiring the user to
look away from his or look away from his or
her usual viewpointher usual viewpoint
LifeClipperLifeClipper
LifeClipper is a LifeClipper is a
wearable AR system wearable AR system
being used in being used in
Switzerland.Switzerland.
When walking around When walking around
a chosen culturally a chosen culturally
interesting area, the interesting area, the
user will feel as user will feel as
though they are though they are
watching a film.watching a film.
Wikitude – AR Travel GuideWikitude – AR Travel Guide
Mobile travel guide for Mobile travel guide for
the Android platform the Android platform
(open source OS for cell (open source OS for cell
phones).phones).
Plan a trip or find about Plan a trip or find about
current surroundings in current surroundings in
real-time.real-time.
Future of ARFuture of AR
MilitaryMilitary::
•The Office of Naval Research has sponsored AR researchThe Office of Naval Research has sponsored AR research
•AR system could provide troops with vital information AR system could provide troops with vital information
about their surroundings.about their surroundings.
MedicalMedical::
•Superimpose an image from an MRI onto a patient’s Superimpose an image from an MRI onto a patient’s
body.body.
•This might allow surgeons to pinpoint a tumor to This might allow surgeons to pinpoint a tumor to
remove.remove.
EducationEducation::
•Used in labs where students can learn more about the Used in labs where students can learn more about the
experiments they are participating in.experiments they are participating in.
Future of ARFuture of AR
GamingGaming::
•ARQuake is an AR version ARQuake is an AR version
of the popular game of the popular game
Quake.Quake.
11
stst
person shooter that person shooter that
allows the user to run allows the user to run
around in the real around in the real
world while playing a world while playing a
game in the computer game in the computer
generated world.generated world.
Uses GPS, a hybrid Uses GPS, a hybrid
magnetic and interial magnetic and interial
orientation sensor, gun orientation sensor, gun
controller, and a controller, and a
standard laptop carried standard laptop carried
in a backpack.in a backpack.
Why continue research in AR?Why continue research in AR?
AR systems will instantly recognize what AR systems will instantly recognize what
someone is looking at, and retrieve and display someone is looking at, and retrieve and display
the data related to that view. the data related to that view.
There are hundreds of potential applications for There are hundreds of potential applications for
such a technology, gaming and entertainment such a technology, gaming and entertainment
being the most obvious ones. being the most obvious ones.
Any system that gives people instant information, Any system that gives people instant information,
requiring no research on their part, is bound to requiring no research on their part, is bound to
be a valuable to anyone in any field. be a valuable to anyone in any field.