Augmented, the word has been derived from a Latin word ‘augere’ meaning to add or increase. Augmented reality is used to virtually bring a digital object into the real-life world. It is also known as mixed reality because reality is augmented by superimposing virtual images over a physical object. The concept of augmented reality is somewhat related to virtual reality as both make use of artificial digital objects to create a live experience. AR is basically used to digitally place an object on the surface of a real-life existing body. AR allows us to interact with virtual stuff just like it is actually present in front of us. The process of augmented reality is preliminary. The device supporting the AR feature uses the lens to scan the object on which the digital impression is to be created. The algorithm and the software then measure the distance of the object. Finally, the object is digitally placed over it. AR is, in fact, an enhancement version of the real physical world.
Examples of Augmented Reality
1. Snapchat
Snapchat is a popular American multimedia messaging app. It is full of trendy and catchy filters. Applications like Snapchat follow a basic procedure of imposing these filters on the user’s face. Firstly, the face is detected with the help of artificial intelligence. Then, these filters are digitally overlaid on the face of the user. This imposing of the filters look extremely real and original with the help of augmented reality and artificial intelligence.
2. Photography and Editing
There are a lot of videos on the internet that show permanent body tattoos to be moving and changing colors. These videos are created with the help of augmented reality. The AR enriched software is downloaded on a device and an algorithm is generated in such a way that when the device’s lens scans the tattoo, a moving and color-changing video gets supplemented over its surface. Therefore, it is not the tattoo changing color but it is the virtual image of the video that gets wrapped over the real object.
3. Hololens
Hololens technology is developed by Microsoft. It allows the users to operate their gadgets by looking at the screen levitating in front of them. In order to establish an easy user-machine interface, it employs features such as air tap, head tracking, gesture command, voice command, etc. This technology makes use of several “environment understanding” sensors, a depth camera, and spatial mapping. Hololens is an ideal example of augmented reality and holds a promising future.
4. Google ARCore
Google ARCore is one of the best mobile apps available online that support augmented reality. It makes use of motion tracking, environmental understanding, and light estimation to generate virtual characters that perfectly blend with the physical world. These digital characters and stickers are produced with high quality and resolution that get digitally stick to the real-life surface. It also allows the 3D view of objects.
5. Pokemon Go
Pokemon go is one of the best examples of AR. It was first introduced in 2016 and within a few months, it got popular among people of all age groups. The notion was to create a game that would not only use digital technology but also employ physical involvement. The disadvantage that online games make people obese was successfully suppressed by this game. The main task of the game is to locate and catch a cartoon character virtually present in the surrounding. With the help of augmented reality, the game characters and the experience appear extremely authentic and genuine.
6. Interior Decoration Apps
We all want our home to be perfect, and we do everything to make it possible; however, making a permanent change such as changing the wall color, buying new furniture, etc. is risky because such huge changes can not be undone easily. This is why a lot of apps have been developed that allow us to virtually impose a picture over the physical objects to get an idea of how the change that we desire would look like after getting implemented. This provides us with the flexibility to try all available combinations and choose the best product. Asian paints, IKEA place, etc. are some examples of augmented reality-based interior decoration apps.
7. AR Maintenance
An augmented reality-equipped maintenance system provides remote assistance to the user. It provides a detailed procedure to repair certain machinery by running a virtual show and by highlighting the parts of the machinery that need fixing. These tactics are very helpful to beginners that have limited knowledge and experience in repair and renovation. These applications are often used in the automobile industry to assist consumers in regular servicing of the vehicles.
8. Google Glass
Google Glass is a gadget that eliminates the need to continuously hold a cell phone in hand, in order to operate it. It allows us to access the phone virtually with the help of voice commands and gestures. Google Glass can be connected to the phone with the help of Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. It can perform various operations such as access the internet, manage phone calls and messages, take a picture, record a video, etc. This hands-free operation makes the mobile phone seem almost real, and it is possible only with the help of augmented reality.
9. Google Street View
Traditional maps have certain limitations when it comes to have detailed information about a place. On the other hand, digital maps can be accessed easily on mobile phones. Also, they provide us with a bonus feature of zoom in. Street view is an upgraded feature of google maps that allows us to move a step further in the direction of advancement. With the help of street view, the direction arrows and markings can be seen live in front of us. It makes use of augmented reality to superimpose the information over real-life objects. Thereby, making the maps easy, comfortable, and advanced to use.
10. Pitch Summary in Cricket
A Pitch map or pitch summary is used to trace the bowling length, whether it is short, long, or a yorker. It also displays the number of shots that went ‘on-side’ and ‘off-side.’ The distance and direction of boundaries are also represented with the help of a pitch map. Different colors are used to represent different aspects of the current over. These lines and marks are not present on the actual field, but they seem real because a digital augmentation is overlaid using AR technology.
11. Neurosurgery
Augmented Reality finds its prime application in the medical domain. During surgeries, neurosurgery to be precise, AR serves to be the perfect assisting partner as it highlights the blocked and damaged nerves digitally. This helps the doctors to easily operate on the affected nerves and avoid any possibility of human error.
