Augmented Reality.

Group 2

Link to the blogpost on medium - https://medium.com/p/48099e2cee7c/edit

What is Augmented Reality?

Augmented reality, also known as AR, refers to the technology that overlays or superimposes
computer-generated content onto the user’s real-world environment, blending virtual
elements with the physical surroundings.

It enhances the user’s perception and interaction with their environment by seamlessly
integrating digital information into their field of view.

How AR works.

The following are the requirements for working with AR:

1. Sensors -Augmented reality relies heavily on sensors that are incorporated into the
devices to gather data about the user’s surroundings.

The sensors used include:

 Cameras - to capture the visual information of the environment.

 Depth sensors - assist in understanding the spatial layout of objects and their distances
from the user
 Accelerometers and gyroscopes - provide orientation and movement of data, enabling
the AR system to track the device’s position and alignment in real time.
 GPS.
2. Computer vision – Computer vision algorithms are used to analyze the data captured
by the device’s sensors to identify and track objects, surfaces and features in the
user’s environment. This enables the system to accurately overlay the virtual elements
onto the user’s surroundings.
3. Content rendering – This step involves rendering the computer-generated elements. It
involves generating 2D or 3D graphics animations, or models that align with the
user’s perspective and viewpoint. This process considers lighting conditions, shadows
 and other visual effects to ensure the virtual objects appear as realistic and seamlessly
integrated into the real world.
4. Display and Presentation – Augmented Reality devices employ various means to
present the augmented content to the users through screens on phones or tablets,
heads-up displays (HUDs) in AR glasses, or on projection systems.
5. Interaction and User Interface – AR systems provide interactive capabilities to enable
users to engage with the augmented content. This can be achieved through
touchscreens, voice commands, gesture recognition or even gaze tracking. Users can
manipulate virtual objects, access additional information, navigate virtual menus, or
trigger actions within the AR environment.
6. Real-time Updates and Tracking – this maintains a seamless AR experience by
continually updating and tracking the user’s position, orientation and the surrounding
environment. As the user moves or the scene changes, the AR system adjusts the
positioning and alignment of the virtual content accordingly. Real-time tracking
ensures that the virtual elements stay anchored to the physical world and respond
appropriately to the user’s actions.

The History of Augmented Reality

The origin of AR can be traced back to the 1960s when Ivan Sutherland introduced the
concept of a “Head-mounted display” that displayed computer-generated graphics.

The name ‘Augmented reality’ was coined in 1990 by two Boeing researchers Caudell and
Mizell who created a head mounted display for aircraft construction and assembly.

The concept of Augmented Reality was adapted during the second world war by the British
to develop an interception radar. The radar was displayed on the windshield of a fighter plane
and allowed the pilot to determine whether the planes nearby were enemies or not.

Timeline of AR development

In 2000, an AR game called ‘AR Quake’ was launched and was played by wearing a head
mounted display and a backpack containing a computer.
In 2005, an AR app for phones was created. It was a game called ‘AR tennis’ and was a
multiplayer game for two.

AR was used in 2008 in an advertisement to promote the BMW mini. The advertisement
involved displaying a 3-D miniature model of the car on a piece of paper held towards the
computer’s webcam.

Trends of Augmented Reality.

Augmented Reality is rapidly being incorporated into our daily lives.

It has several applications that span across different fields such as:

Gaming and entertainment – AR has revolutionized the gaming industry, as seen in Pokémon
Go. AR also enables more immersive experiences in movies, theme parks and live events.

Education and Training – AR provides and interactive learning experience by allowing

students to visualize complex concepts and explore virtual environments. It is also utilised in
vocational training and in simulations for fields like medicine and engineering.

Design and Manufacturing – Augmented reality enhances design processes by overlaying

digital prototypes onto physical objects. It facilitates remote collaboration, improves
accuracy, and expedites product development.

Healthcare and Medicine – AR assists in medical procedures, surgical planning, and training.
It also provides real-time date visualisation, 3D anatomical overlays, and telemedicine
applications.
Retail and Marketing – AR enhances the shopping experience by enabling virtual try-ons,
product visualisations and interactive advertisements. Augmented reality has been
incorporated into store catalogue apps, which allows consumers to visualize what different
products would look like in different environments. For example, when buying furniture, It
bridges the gap between online and offline shopping.

The dangers of embracing Augmented reality.

Since AR collects vast amounts of personal data, it raises concerns about data breaches,
unauthorizes surveillance, and the potential misuse of information.

Physical and Psychological health – Prolonged AR usage can lead to visual discomfort, eye
strain, and fatigue. It may also contribute to addiction-like behaviours and social isolation if
not used in moderation.

Distraction and Safety risks – Engaging with AR content in real-world settings can divert
attention and lead to accidents, especially when driving, walking, or operating machinery.

Problems that Augmented Reality has helped solve.

Augmented Reality has been applied to agriculture to help solve crop wastage by providing
precise information about soil and crop conditions. This has enabled and increase in crop
production. Farmers are now able to tell what crops to grow in dry and semi-arid regions.

In medicine AR has helped in various clinical procedures such as operating preparation and
visualisation of the anatomy of the human body. This has been very useful especially when
drawing blood from children’s arms to help doctors see the veins beneath the skin.

AR has also been applied in the detection of diseases such as skin cancer and it enables
doctors to diagnose and treat the disease more effectively.

When navigating in national parks, AR can be used to detect the right path to where the
specific animals are located.
References

Berryman Donna et al. (2012,May 04) Augmented Reality : A Review. Taylor & Francis
Online. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/02763869.2012.670604
Hayes.A(2023,May 15). Augmented Reality (AR) Defined, With Examples and Uses.
https://www.investopedia.com/terms/a/augmented-reality.asp

HelloAR(2023). What problems do Augmented Reality uses solve. https://helloar.io/blog/3d-

ar/augmented-reality-uses/

History of Augmented Reality.

Svarmony.https://svarmony.com/blog/history-of-ar/#:~:text=AR%20found%20its%20origin
%20in,AR%20Glasses%20we%20know%20today%3F (2022, January 06)

PDF) Introduction to augmented reality. (2003, January 1). ResearchGate.

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/277287908_Introduction_to_augmented_reality

Understanding Augmented Reality. (n.d.). ScienceDirect.

https://www.sciencedirect.com/book/9780240824086/understanding-augmented-reality

Group members

Sharon Kanyi - 153486

Matthew Ndichu – 164789

Eugene Mogeni – 154293

Denzel Sam – 156089

Joan Gichana – 153356

Edwin Kamau – 152803

Mohammed Khadar Yussuf Bile - 152802