Augmented Reality: A Complete Guide

We often hear the term ‘Augmented Reality’ but, do we understand what it means? The technical definition of AR is that it is an interactive experience of a real-like world environment where the objects that reside in the real world. Moreover, the creation of these objects takes place with the help of computer graphics or computer-generated perpetual information.

In simple words, AR is the creation and modification of a real-life environment in a virtual model that has all the visual and audio content similar to the real world. Also, the Pokémon Go gaming app is a well-known example of AR.

 

 

The Invention of Augmented Reality

AR is believed to be generated from the main branch of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. Initially, AR was not recognized independently. However, the first AR technology was developed in 1968 at Harvard. A computer scientist named Ivan Sutherland invented the first head-mounted display system. It was named ‘the Sword of Damocles. Furthermore, in the following decades, AR grew unexpectedly as various labs, universities, companies, organizations, and agencies were intrigued with its advanced technology and digital displays and wanted to further discover it. Additionally, in 2008, the first commercial AR application was launched.

 

Features of AR

1. Changeability and Compatibility

AR would not be successful if the content it creates was not dynamically changeable and compatible with the common understanding of the real world. A key aspect of AR is that virtual information is easy to modify which provides users with different features, fantasies, and facilities.

1. Synchronization and Speed

Since AR is a virtual representation of the real world, it needs to be synchronous and fast. It should coordinate with the same speed and visual understanding of the user.

 

1. Creation and Invention

Augmented reality displays a world that seems to be real but is not real. Somehow, users understand this feature and it gives the technology scope for better creation of ideas, images, and visions. You can create any desirable content that seems to fit the real-world imagination.

 

Applications of Augmented Reality

1. Medicine and Healthcare

AR helps in operating the MRI equipment for performing complicated surgeries. Furthermore, AR holds the required potential to boost the depth, effectiveness, and accuracy of medical training in many areas. The Cleveland Clinic at Case Western rivers University is a great example of this as the students there will be learning anatomy using an AR headset which will allow them to dive into a human body in an interactive 3D format.

 

1. Retail and Business

AR seems to grow in the shopping and business domain today as marketers are using smartphones and digital devices more to publicize, compare, and moreover promote their products. Also, it helps the customers to look for further information.

1. Design and Modelling

AR is helping interior designing, architecture, and construction as it is beneficial for professionals to visualize their final product and create better and more efficient work models and plans. Additionally, the use of different devices such as headsets enables architects and engineers to design the accurate blueprint of their work.

 

1. Education

With or without the pandemic AR seems to be a vital component in classroom education as it will widen the knowledge and experience among students and teachers. Also, it will help in creating a rich learning environment and it will help the students to learn through visual interactions.

 

1. Military

AR can be useful in the military as it will help in analyzing and predicting the opponents’ moves and tactics and therefore will lend the nation an upper hand in defending itself from any threats.

 

1. Gaming

AR is potentially useful in gaming as it helps in creating visual and audio content that improves the quality of the game and gives the gamer an ultimate gaming experience. Pokémon Go is one of the best examples where AR plays a crucial role in the gaming industry.

1. Entertainment

Most of us are well acquainted with Harry Potter. However, it became an immense success as its viewers and readers were thrilled and intrigued to visualize and experience the characters mentioned in the story. AR is a great marketing opportunity for entertainers as it will build a deeper bond between their characters and the audience.

 

 

Future of AR

Our dependency on AR-based applications and software is the prior reason that major companies are investing heavily in AR. Future estimations determine that the market value of AR mobile devices will cross 1.5 billion dollars in the coming future. AR will be heavily beneficial in domains such as shopping, navigation, gaming, safety, designing, etc. . Nonetheless, it will give AR an unbeatable audience and users.

 

Conclusion

In sum, AR technology is an interactive experience that is build with the help of computer features and graphics. It builds virtual images and sounds similar to the real world. Additionally, the first AR device was invented in 1968 by Evan Sutherland which was named the Sword of Damocles. AR is heavily beneficial in sectors such as gaming, shopping, navigation, business, designing, etc. In the coming years, AR will only grow and will build a potential market for itself.

 

 

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