What Is Augmented Reality?

“Augmented Reality blurs the limits between what is real and what is computer generated”

Augmented reality (AR) is the integration of digital information with live video or the user's environment in real time.

If talking academic and technical, Augmented Reality can be explained as the generation of a composite view for the user that is the combination, in real time, of a virtual scene viewed by the user, via a camera for example, and a virtual scene generated by the computer, therefore augmenting the scene with additional information.

4 Different Types of Augmented Reality

Black & White Markers: The detection of interest points is here done through black & white fiducial markers. Most of the time, the applications using markers are based on open source technology. It has the advantage to be easily affordable but it is not supported, nor fully secured and fairly weak. It is usually implemented in small non-commercial projects. Total Immersion supports this technology without having the disadvantages of open source software.

Marker Less Tracking (MLT): This is currently one of the best technology for tracking and the one chosen by Total Immersion to integrate their software suite. It performs active tracking and recognition of real environment on any type of support (visuals, objects, faces, movement) without using special placed markers. It is more powerful and allows the performing of more complex applications of Augmented Reality. This new technology is operational on stationary, web or mobile devices. Total Immersion is continuously developing MLT, for instance with the latest depth cameras (with sensors able to measure the depth for each of the captured pixels).

Sensor based Technology: Sensor tags along with immersive Augmented Reality can provide a better end user experience. Sensors are used in locations where MLT are less operational (e.g.: due to lack of light). They send a signal to a receiver within range and are able to curate information pertinent to the individual instead of everything around thanks to powerful filters.

GPS and Compass Technology: Mainly found on smartphones and tablets, this type of applications takes advantage of the devices' GPS and compass features with access to high-speed wireless networks. Still fairly imprecise due to current inaccuracy of the GPS technology, its main attraction lays to provide useful local web-content information and added services in 2D format at the geolocation of the user. Total Immersion is specialised in image recognition and analysis (known as Computer Vision). This is where the Company has invested most of its R&D efforts, with several patents already filled in.

Straightforwardly, three main stages are recognized in the Augmented Reality process of treatment of real time video flux:

1. Recognition of an image, an object, a face or a body
2. Space location in real time of this image, object, face or body
3. Superposition of a media (video, 3D, 2D, text, etc…) on this image, object, face or body

The process of these three steps takes less than 40ms to match the human eye fluidity of 25 images per second. Powerful algorithms need to be applied and research is continuously progressing to further develop each of these three processes boosted by the growing performances of equipment and devices. Computer Vision is in itself a high consumer of CPU but higher is the available power, better is the sophistication of the algorithm for a truly enhanced user experience. Furthermore, with the rapidly progressing utilization of captors, such as GPS, Compass, gyroscope, thermometers, speedometer, the sum of information collected can be used to further enrich and boost users experience in a current context.

How does Augmented Reality work?

Geolocalized Augmented Reality

The mix of these two technologies is obviously the answer to respond to users’ individual expectations. They need to be combined and not matched against each other to provide the most immersive final experience. Although the GPS technology is still somewhat imprecise, specifically in city zones, it is sufficient to filter the information necessary to trigger and gain users’ interest.

The result can then be further improved through a process of image analysis and relevant information precisely superposed on actual scenes. This can be, for example, snapping a statue on a main piazza and receiving information on its origins, on the life of its sculptor; visualizing the change of a building from its current state to what it was 100 years ago or what it will look like after planned renovations are completed. It may also be the case whilst shopping in a supermarket, of accessing products information on allergy risks or on associated products available… The scope and feasibility of Augmented Reality Technology is unlimited.

Extracted From - http://www.t-immersion.com/augmented-reality/what-augmented-reality