What is augmented Reality?

You have seen the movie Terminator where through the eyes of Arnold Schwarzenegger he can see a variety of information i.e. radar, maps, thermo scan and telemetry and this is not normally seen through human eyes. This supplemental data is over laid or merged into the real-world in real-time and this is what Augmented Reality (AR) is all about. Augmented Reality (AR) explained by WIKIPEDIA is a term for a live direct or indirect view of a physical real-world environment whose elements are merged with (or augmented by) virtual computer-generated imagery - creating a mixed reality.

AR is the ability to super impose a layer or meta-data of graphical information on top of a real world view and this is all done in real time as we see it now. With the help of AR technology (e.g.adding computer vision and object recognition) the information about the surrounding real world of the user becomes interactive and digitally usable.

Information about the environment and the objects in it can be stored and retrieved as an information layer on top of the real world view. Another example of Augmented Reality explores the application of computer-generated imagery in live-video streams as a way to expand the real-world.This technology is available and can be used through a variety of devices like camera phones, VR goggles, LCD monitors and more. The applications are endless when it comes to museums, entertainment, trade shows, special events, promotions, and the fields of education.

Content on this page requires a newer version of Adobe Flash Player.

Get Adobe Flash player