Augmented Reality

Augmented Reality

---

Augmented Reality (AR) is a technology that permits the fusion of real world with computer generated world. This computer
generated world is described as the virtual reality which is defined as a realistic simulation of an environment by the computer.
In other words, the real world is combined with the computer generated world to become one environment-- mixed environment.



Examples of AR integration are as follow :

1. In medical field: medical imaging (CT scan, computered tomography scan etc.)

- It reveals 3Dimage (virtual reality) of body's interior (real world).

2. Navigation: (GPS, Radar system)

- Locations (real world) can be located via GPS which uses signals from a satellite. After the satellite successfully detects 
the location, it sends back the information to the specific GPS device to inform the location.

3. Join Starfleet Academy - Star Trek Augmented Reality

- Nokia and Verizon have partnered around the new Star Trek film and have created a series of interesting experiences for 
online users at http://www.joinstarfleetacademy.com./index.aspx#/home

4. GE Smart Grid Augmented Reality

- GE have been using augmented reality to allow users to see 'a digital hologram of Smart Grid technology come to life in your 
hands.'

5. Create an augmented reality BMW Z4

- BMW are offering internet users the chance to recreate the experience of the Z4 paint commercial for themselves.

6. WWF mobile augmented reality

- The WWF (World Wildlife Fund) are using the augmented reality technology on mobile phones to show how displaced wildlife 
struggle to cope with new environment as the result of deforestation.



7. Create an augmented reality Mini Cabrio

- In Germany, Mini Cooper used augmented reality to launch the Mini Cabrio. (NB: Have to use Internet Explorer to open.) 
Prominent full page ads in Germany motoring magazines acted as a base for the Mini Cabrio augmented reality experience.

In short augmented reality is based around holding a 2D image up to a webcam and then seeing a 3D image on screen. This 
augmented reality technology is now being adopted by advertisers and there have been some interesting uses of augmented 
reality recently.


There are 3 major display of AR which has been implemented, they are :
Head mounted Display
A head-mounted display(HMD) which is also know as helmet mounted display (HMD),are both display devices which is worn on 
the user's head or as part of a helmet. It usually has a small display optic in front of one (monocular HMD) or each eye 
(binocular HMD).
Typically, a HMD has either one or two small displays with lenses and semi-transparent mirrors embedded in a helmet, eye-
glasses (also known as data glasses) or visor. Screens and display units are miniaturised and may include CRT. LCDs , 
Liquid crystal on silicon(LCos ) or LED. Some users use multiple micro-displays to increase total resolution and widen their 
area of vision.


Handheld
Handheld displays usually uses a miniature display that fits in a user's hand.
The good points of handheld AR is that it is portable and built in nature for camera phones.



Spatial.
Spatial Augmented Reality (SAR) makes use of digital projectors to display graphical information onto physical objects.
Examples of this display can been seen in movies like Star Wars when the character communicate using SAR.



In conclusion, augmented reality is an important element in the world of information technology especially in the multimedia
mainstream. It is a key aspect in developing the way we interact with the world and also gain information from the information
mainstream which is through the internet or by other means. As time goes by, major advancements in augmented reality will
most definitely reshape and revolutionize the way we interact with the world. As we speak new ideas are being envisioned
and innovative implementations of these ideas are being born as prototypes.

Sources: 
http://discover8.com/public/images/upload_article_images/ct_scan_1219.jpg
http://www.techfresh.net/wp-content/uploads/2007/11/lucca-53-gps-navigation.jpg
http://fastcache.gawkerassets.com/assets/images/4/2007/07/DataGlass.jpg
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNQGrmd_dYuEqKPFRWojJPWIKdk0XeZqhHYnrW5FuYKwTwWWs7opYwR57ry0uSorQt4IUwksIYoFTpNVJT0limcCp_01M3xoSBDa7SJwnpJTvTIRU7we40yA2G2NdkidUVey0Js85Xrf5V/s400/Star+Trek+augmented+reality.jpg
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHASRu_kYoiq_9zqzeUagoYOkMUiaRhV2m7tNI5Z12T_A4QZ9gFOjZoOlaii_RGzuqyBKwwV_AnwqzJP60aW91cv-B3ApQVmMnevVHoY08YseHSdndRqgmk6DgNXXkqsX0ye2ybJdwpbBW/s1600/Ipad_Augmented_Reality_hologram.png
http://www.robertturrall.com/blogs/media/blogs/all/bmw_augmented_reality.jpg
http://technabob.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/mini_augmented_reality.jpg
wik.ed.uiuc.edu/index.php/Augmented_Reality_in_Education
http://ge.ecomagination.com/smartgrid/preview/images/GE_Digital_hologram.jpg
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Augmented_reality#Head.E2.80.93mounted
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Augmented_reality#Handheld
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Augmented_reality#Spatial