Introduction to Augmented Reality
The variety of brands which have adopted augmented reality projects is countless. Facebook, Apple, Gucci, Toyota, Adidas, YouTube, Starbucks, and IKEA are only a number of examples. Augmented reality blends physical and digital worlds to create an experience inside the tiny space of a few-inch widescreen, making it an enchanting technology for businesses worldwide.
What is Augmented Reality?
Augmented reality works like a tech that’s straight out of the Star Wars series. It is a technology that may project digital media superimposed on real-world surfaces without demanding any heavy hardware or software requirements. Although we don’t know much about how the technologies in Star Wars work, AR is powered by three major technologies: SLAM (Simultaneous Location and Mapping), Depth Tracking, and Image Processing and Projection.
Technologies Powering Augmented Reality
These three technologies are accountable for collecting real-world images, processing them, and overlaying them with digital media — be it text or imagery. They don’t work as standalone technologies; as a substitute, they interact with one another by supplying data to 1 one other to make AR function.
- SLAM (Simultaneous Location and Mapping)
- Depth Tracking
- Image Processing and Projection
SLAM renders virtual images over real-world spaces/objects. It works with the assistance of localizing sensors (like gyroscope or accelerometer) that map all the physical space or object. A fancy AR simulation is conducted by its algorithm, which renders the virtual image in the best dimensions on the space or object. Most of the augmented reality APIs and SDKs available today include built-in SLAM capabilities.
Depth tracking is used to measure the space of the article or surface from the AR device’s camera sensor. It works the identical way a camera would work to give attention to the specified object and blur out the remainder of its surroundings. Once SLAM and depth tracking are accomplished, the AR program will process the image as per requirements and project it on the user’s screen.
How AR Applications Detect Objects
Apart from the three technologies — SLAM, depth tracking, and image processing, there are also a handful of other subset technologies that make AR work. Primary amongst them are two forms of technologies that detect objects: trigger-based and view-based. Both trigger-based and view-based augmentations have several subsets.
Trigger-Based Augmentation
There are triggers that activate the augmentation by detecting AR markers, symbols, icons, GPS locations, and so forth. When the AR device is pointed on the AR marker, the AR app processes the 3D image and projects it on the user device. Trigger-based AR can work with the assistance of:
- Marker-based augmentation
- Location-based augmentation
- Dynamic augmentation
Marker-Based Augmentation
Marker-based augmentation works by scanning and recognizing AR markers. AR markers are paper-printer markers in the shape of specific designs. They look roughly like barcodes and enable the AR app to create digitally enhanced 360-degree images on the AR device. Nike’s SNKRs app is an example of marker-based augmentation.
Location-Based Augmentation
In this approach to augmentation, the AR app picks up the real-time location of the device and combines it with dynamic information fetched from cloud servers or from the app’s backend. Most maps and navigation which have AR facilities, or vehicle parking assistants work based on location-based augmentation. BMW’s heads-up display is an ideal example of location-based augmentation at work.
Dynamic Augmentation
Dynamic augmentation is probably the most responsive type of augmented reality. It leverages motion tracking sensors within the AR device to detect images from the real-world and super-imposes them with digital media. Sephora’s AR mirror is an ideal example of dynamic augmentation at work.
View-Based Augmentation
They are dynamic surfaces (like buildings, desktop surfaces, natural surroundings, etc.) that are detected by the AR app. The app connects the dynamic view to its backend to match reference points and projects related information on the screen. View-based augmentation works with the assistance of:
- Superimposition-based
- Generic digital augmentation
Superimposition-Based Augmentation
Superimposition-based augmentation works by detecting static objects which are already fed into the AR application’s database. The app uses optical sensors to detect the article and relays digital information above them. For example, Hyundai has an AR-based owner’s manual which allows users to point their AR device on the engine.
Generic Digital Augmentation
Generic digital augmentation is what gives developers and artists the freedom to create anything that they want the immersive experience of AR. It allows rendering of 3D objects that could be imposed on actual spaces. IKEA’s furniture shopping is an ideal example of generic digital augmentation.
Bringing all of it Together
Augmented reality is one-of-a-kind immersive technology. Its ability to render digital information atop physical objects and surfaces has positioned it as a futuristic technology. It holds great promise for e-commerce, education, engineering, marketing, customer support, and several other other sectors where information overload is becoming an issue. But there is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all AR technology. The right augmented reality software technology must be chosen based on the necessities of the end-users.
Conclusion
In conclusion, augmented reality is a robust technology that’s changing the best way we interact with the world. With its ability to mix physical and digital worlds, it’s opening up recent possibilities for businesses, educators, and individuals. As the technology continues to evolve, we will expect to see much more modern applications of augmented reality in the long run. Whether it’s used for entertainment, education, or marketing, augmented reality is bound to have a profound impact on our lives.
