What is Augmented Reality (AR) Technology?

Augmented reality (AR) is the real-time use of information in the form of text, graphics, audio and other virtual enhancements integrated with real-world objects. It is this “real world” element that differentiates AR from virtual reality.  AR integrates and adds value to the user’s interaction with the real world, versus a simulation.

Augmented reality is the technology that expands our physical world, adding layers of digital information onto it. Unlike Virtual Reality (VR), AR does not create the whole artificial environments to replace real with the virtual one. AR appears in direct view of an existing environment and adds sounds, videos, graphics to it.

A view of the physical real-world environment with superimposed computer-generated images, thus changing the perception of reality, is the AR.

There are 4 types of augmented reality today:

• Marker-less AR
• Marker-based AR
• Projection-based AR
• Superimposition-based AR

How Does Augmented Reality(AR) Work?
     

·         In order to understand how augmented reality technology works, one must first understand its objective: to bring computer-generated objects into the real world, which only the user can see.

In most augmented reality applications, a user will see both synthetic and natural light. This is done by overlaying projected images on top of a pair of see-through goggles or glasses, which allow the images and interactive virtual objects to layer on top of the user's view of the real world. Augmented Reality devices are often self-contained, meaning that unlike the Oculus Rift or HTC Vive VR headsets, they are completely untethered and do not need a cable or desktop computer to function.

How Do Augmented Reality Devices Work (Inside)?
   

·         Augmented realities can be displayed on a wide variety of displays, from screens and monitors to handheld devices or glasses. Google Glass and other head-up displays (HUD) put augmented reality directly onto your face, usually in the form of glasses. Handheld devices employ small displays that fit in user’s hands, including smartphones and tablets. As reality technologies continue to advance, augmented reality devices will gradually require less hardware and start being applied to things like contact lenses and virtual retinal displays.