Augmented reality (AR) adds digital elements onto a smartphone

camera, creating an illusion that holographic content is a part of the

physical world around you. In contrast with Virtual Reality (VR), you are
not immersed in the whole artificial environment. AR alters the
surroundings a bit by adding 3D objects, sounds, videos, graphics to it.

AR can be applied differently, so you can use it for making your face
look like a cute kitten or find directions in shopping malls. Augmented
reality allows you to virtually try on glasses or see how home appliances
will look on your table. Such apps must differentiate between the
physical and digital world to place virtual objects onto the right area.

AR can be applied differently, so you can use it for making your face
look like a cute kitten or find directions in shopping malls. Augmented
reality allows you to virtually try on glasses or see how home appliances
will look on your table. Such apps must differentiate between the
physical and digital world to place virtual objects onto the right area.
For instance, imagine that you are using AR navigation, like in the
picture above. First, computer vision processes the location and objects
captured by the camera and recognizes it. Then, the program puts
labels onto the surface. The process happens every time the user holds
a phone camera in front of the location that has been previously
mapped. This type of AR is markerless.

Another example is a soccer game. The app recognizes a person’s foot,

by setting virtual footprint on the actual foot and its motion, so the user
could kick the virtual soccer ball down the alley on the screen and
‘remember’ the player’s foot to keep scores for each session.  Thanks to
the function of object recognition, the user’s foot can be detected,
allowing the program to identify each player and offer a new game for
another user respectively.

Why Does AR Need Computer Vision?

For an augmented reality to start working cameras must see things be
capable enough to figure out what they are seeing and further
categorize it.
The whole process of computer seeing real world includes the machine
representing colors by numbers, identifying a similar group of colors
and then segmenting the image, searching for lines that meet at object
angles and covering a specific part of the image, finding textures, and
matching the image with those present in the database.

Augmented reality requires discerning objects around the user in terms

of both semantics and 3D geometry. Semantics recognizes the object,
while geometry figures out where the object is placed.

So you’ve heard something about AR/VR/MR and would like to know more. For most
people, it is still a quite abstract and exotic technology, often perceived as the
science-fiction out of Hollywood movies. Animate holograms, interactive displays,
and virtual 3D models. In fact, all these things do already exist.

Real environment modified by computer-generated objects is present in many areas,

from aviation to gaming, we’re just not aware of it as users. Have you tried to catch
Pokemon in recent years or to fit furniture in your room via IKEA app? That’s AR,
and it has more far-reaching areas of potential use. It is still in development and
multiple engineers and tech companies around the world are working to enhance it.
In the meantime, let’s find out what is Augmented Reality, and let’s start with this
vision by Magic Leap. Exciting!
 Unlike Virtual Reality (VR), AR does not create the whole artificial
environments to replace real with a 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.

The term itself was coined back in 1990, and one of the first commercial uses were
in television and military. With the rise of the Internet and smartphones, AR rolled out
its second wave and nowadays is mostly related to the interactive concept. 3D
models are directly projected onto physical things or fused together in real-time,
various augmented reality apps impact our habits, social life, and the entertainment
industry.

AR apps typically connect digital animation to a special ‘marker’, or with the help of
GPS in phones pinpoint the location. Augmentation is happening in real time and
within the context of the environment, for example, overlaying scores to a live feed
sport events.

There are 4 types of augmented reality today:

 markerless AR

 marker-based AR

 projection-based AR
 superimposition-based AR

AR in the 1960s. In 1968 Ivan Sutherland and Bob Sproull created a first

head-mounted display, they called it The Sword of Damocles. Obviously, it was
a rough device that displayed primitive computer graphics.
Types of Augmented Reality
1. Marker-based AR. Some also call it to image recognition, as it requires a special
visual object and a camera to scan it. It may be anything, from a printed QR code to
special signs. The AR device also calculates the position and orientation of a marker
to position the content, in some cases. Thus, a marker initiates digital animations for
users to view, and so images in a magazine may turn into 3D models.

Markerless AR. A.k.a. location-based or position-based augmented reality, that utilizes a

GPS, a compass, a gyroscope, and an accelerometer to provide data based on user’s location.
This data then determines what AR content you find or get in a certain area. With the
availability of smartphones this type of AR typically produces maps and directions, nearby
businesses info. Applications include events and information, business ads pop-
ups, navigation support.
Projection-based AR. Projecting synthetic light to physical surfaces, and in some cases
allows to interact with it. These are the holograms we have all seen in sci-fi movies like Star
Wars. It detects user interaction with a projection by its alterations.

Superimposition-based AR. Replaces the original view with an augmented, fully or

partially. Object recognition plays a key role, without it the whole concept is simply
impossible. We’ve all seen the example of superimposed augmented reality in IKEA Catalog
app, that allows users to place virtual items of their furniture catalog in their rooms.
 Augmented reality devices
Many modern devices already support Augmented reality. From smartphones and tablets to
gadgets like Google Glass or handheld devices, and these technologies continue to evolve.
For processing and projection, AR devices and hardware, first of all, have requirements such
as sensors, cameras, accelerometer, gyroscope, digital compass, GPS, CPU, displays, and
things we’ve already mentioned.

Devices suitable for Augmented reality fall into the following categories:

 Mobile devices (smartphones and tablets) – the most available and best fit for AR
mobile apps, ranging from pure gaming and entertainment to business analytics, sports, and social
networking.

 Special AR devices, designed primarily and solely for augmented reality experiences. One
example is head-up displays (HUD), sending data to a transparent display directly into user’s view.
Originally introduced to train military fighters pilots, now such devices have applications in aviation,
automotive industry, manufacturing, sports, etc.

 AR glasses (or smart glasses) – Google Glasses, Meta 2 Glasses, Laster See-Thru, Laforge AR
eyewear, etc. These units are capable of displaying notifications from your smartphone, assisting
assembly line workers, access content hands-free, etc.
 AR contact lenses (or smart lenses), taking Augmented Reality one step even farther.
Manufacturers like Samsung and Sony have announced the development of AR lenses.
Respectively, Samsung is working on lenses as the accessory to smartphones, while Sony is designing
lenses as separate AR devices (with features like taking photos or storing data). 

 Virtual retinal displays (VRD),  creating images by projecting laser light into the human eye.
Aiming at bright, high contrast and high-resolution images, such systems yet remain to be made for a
practical use.

potential areas for AR include:

 Education: interactive models for learning and training purposes, from

mathematics to chemistry.

 Medicine/healthcare: to help diagnose, monitor, train, localize, etc.

 Military: for advanced navigation, marking objects in real time.

 Art / installations / visual arts / music.

 Tourism: data on destinations, sightseeing objects, navigation, and directions.

 Broadcasting: enhancing live events and event streaming by overlaying

content.

 Industrial design: to visualize, calculate or model.

Augmented reality or AR is both a concept and an actual technology that involves

providing its users with an interactive computer-generated perceptual information and
experienced placed on top of a real-world environment.

When compared to virtual reality or VR that draws users into an artificially produced

virtual or simulated environment, AR simply augments or supplements the existing
natural environment with computer-generated perceptual information, thus overlaying
the real world with digital elements such as graphics, haptic feedback, and other sensory
feedback.
THE PROS: ADVANTAGES AND APPLICATIONS OF
AUGMENTED REALITY
Central to the advantage of augmented reality is that it enables more interactive and
richer human-to-computer and computer-mediated human-to-human interactions than
conventional interfacing, thus translating to more specific beneficial applications.

One of the specific advantages of AR is that it expands the features and capabilities of
computers and other consumer electronic devices such as smartphones, gaming
consoles, and wearable technologies, among others. AR improves the user interface of
these devices and enriches further the user experience.

Compared to virtual reality, another specific advantage of augmented reality is that it

does not replace the natural environment with a simulated one but simply supplements
reality, thus bringing the component of the digital world into the perception of the real
world.

The aforementioned general advantages translate to even more specific beneficial

applications. Take note of the following:

1. Learning and Instruction

Augmented reality can improve the learning environment by making the entire learning
experience more immersive, thus encouraging better participation and collaboration
between learners and instructors. Note that through AR, learners can become active
participants rather than mere passive recipients of instruction because it allows them to
interact with knowledge.

Some examples of AR applications in the learning environment include driving and flight
simulation training, visualization of anatomy for biology and medical classes, laboratory
exercises and experimentations, and design activities in engineering and architecture,
among others.

2. Communication and Interaction

Remember that the primary benefit of augmented reality is that it introduces a new way
for computer-mediated human interaction. Instead of merely calling one another or
sending text messages via SMS or chat apps, AR makes communication more
interactive.

The aforementioned have specific applications in wireless communication and other

situations. As an example, remote collaboration becomes more immersive through the
addition of digital elements. Distanced communication can be supplemented by graphic
images overlaid in front of the participants to aid verbal communication. Note that social
networking sites such as Instagram and Snapchat have used AR to make sharing videos
and photos more visually appealing.
3. Business Improvements
AR has several beneficial applications in business settings. For example, it can
allow product developers to see and experience the mockup design of a product before
its completion. Because of its applications in instruction and interaction, it can also be
used to improve workplace environments. As an example, AR can be used to promote
remote work and collaboration between distanced team members.

Retailers can also benefit from AR. For examples, clothing retailers using AR can allow
their customers to try on various clothes or accessories, thus creating a visual dressing
room. The same is true in furniture retail that can overlay a piece of furnishing in a real
home or office space to help a consumer decide if he or she wants to buy the product or
not.

4. Navigation and Tourism

The ability of AR to place digital elements on real environments can supplement
navigation, as well as tourism. Live visuals on actual locations can be overlaid with map
data such as visualized directions and markers. In vehicles, information such as map
data, traffic status, weather, and terrain can be displayed on the windshields of cars.

Government tourism agencies and companies can use AR to promote a particular spot.
In an actual location, travelers can be presented with sensory information that can
simulate historical events or render objects to improve their overall experience.
Using artificial intelligence, specifically natural language processing, tourists in a foreign
country can use apps on their smartphones that can translate texts in their language
real-time.
5. Immersive Video Gaming
Take note that another advantage of augmented reality is that it provides enables more
interactive and richer human-to-computer. AR simply provides additional input-output
features to video games, thus making the gameplay more immersive and interactive.

Games such as Pokémon Go and Star Wars: Jedi Challenges have demonstrated how AR
can allow video game players to experience digital gameplay in a real-world
environment. Essentially, the technology mixes the virtual world of games with the
natural world, thus providing a more realistic gaming experience.

THE CONS: THE DISADVANTAGES AND RISKS OF

AUGMENTED REALITY
The fact that augmented reality distorts the real world while also depends on the
generation and distribution of data in the form of computer-generated perceptual
information and user-generated feedback information have raised several concerns.
Consider the following:

1. Issues About Privacy

One of the drawbacks or disadvantages of augmented reality is that it is based on the
collection, analysis, and redistribution of different types of data, particularly through
the application of Big Data, thus raising concerns over privacy rights and security. For
example, some AR devices record the environment in real time. Recording can create
potential legal concerns.

Some AR systems also collect and analyze information about their users such as
biometric data and device usage history, among others. With more stringent data
protection laws, such as the GDPR of the European Union, there is a need for developers
of these systems to follow standards regarding data usage.

2. Dangers of Reality Modification

AR blurs the line between the real world and the digital world. Hence, another drawback
or disadvantage of augmented reality centers on possible dangers that come from reality
modification. As an example, the introduction of Pokémon Go game has created
controversy due to associated accidents and even deaths. Overlaying digital elements on
the natural environment masks real-world dangers and make users less cautious.

The dangers of reality modifications necessitate the creation of standards. Developers

should not overload their AR systems with digital elements. In addition, there is a need
to educate users to tell them not to become overly dependent on AR to the point that
they become passive toward important cues from the real world.

3. Implementation Requirements
Although business organizations, learning institutions, and other organizations can
benefit from using augmented reality due to its numerous advantages or beneficial
applications, developing and implementing an AR system is both costly and
technologically taxing. Not everyone has the capability to do so. Thus, in the context of
business, smaller firms can be at a disadvantage because of their lack of resources.

Take note that AR also requires new technologies and models. Smartphones need
capable processing capabilities to run AR applications smoothly. Developments in AR also
depend on developments in artificial intelligence technology, especially specific AI
forms such as machine learning, natural language processing, and computer vision,
among others.
Surprisingly enough, augmented reality has been in the
works for several decades before sprouting to what it is
today.

Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) have

exploded for $1.1 billion in investment this year and it’s still
considered the origins of the future of computing. Not only
are mixed reality headsets said to be the future of
computing, they’re also the past and future of
entertainment. Though, the legacy of augmented reality isn’t
just confined to old science fiction books. Throughout the
20th century, AR developed into the refined technology that
exists today.

From the first virtual yellow line marker in live NFL games to
assisting NASA flight simulations - augmented reality has
had a progressive impact over the years.

Benefits or advantages of Augmented

Reality (AR)
Following are the benefits or advantages of Augmented Reality (AR):
➨The AR system is highly interactive in nature and operates simultaneously
with real time environment.
➨It reduces line between real world and virtual world.
➨It enhances perceptions and interactions with the real world.
➨Due to its use in medical industry, life of patients have become safer. It
helps in efficient diagnosis of diseases and in early detection of them.
➨It can be used by anyone as per applications.
➨It can save money by testing critical situations in order to confirm their
success without actually implementing in real time. Once it is proven, it can be
implemented in real world.
➨It can be used by military people without putting their life in danger by way
of battle field simulation before the actual war. This will also help them in
actual war to take critical decisions.
➨It can be applied to part of training programs as it makes things memorable
and eye catching.
Drawbacks or disadvantages of Augmented
Reality (AR)
Following are the drawbacks or disadvantages of Augmented Reality (AR):
➨It is expensive to develop the AR technology based projects and to maintain
it. Moreover production of AR based devices is costly.
➨Lack of privacy is a concern in AR based applications.
➨In AR, people are missing out on important moments.
➨Low performance level is a concern which needs to be addressed during
testing process.
➨It requires basic learning to effectively use AR compliant devices.