Augmented Reality: Definition, Types, Working procedure, Advantages, Disadvantages

 

Definition 

AR technology presents virtual objects and information in the field of vision. The primary value of augmented reality is how the components of the digital world blend into a person’s perception of the real world, but to simply display data through the integration of immersive sensations, which are perceived as the natural parts of the environment. It is used to enhance the natural environments and offers perceptually enriched experiences. By using the help of advanced AR technologies the information about the surrounding real world the user becomes interactive and digitally manipulated.

Types of augmented reality

  • AR without markers.
  • Location-based AR.
  • Projection-based AR.
  • Overlay AR.
  • Contour-based AR.
  • Marker-based AR.

AR without markers

Markless AR positions virtual 3D objects within real image environments based on real-time analyses of the data. This kind of guidance relies on the hardware of any smartphone among others while the augmented reality software completes the job. Thus it works with the digital data obtained by the sensors capable of recording the physical space in real-time. Simultaneous Localisation and Mapping (SLAM) is used to scan the environment and create the appropriate maps to place the virtual objects. So the technology can detect the objects in a sense without prior knowledge of the environment The first systems using this type of AR used the location and hardware services of a device to interact with the resources provided by the AR software in a way to users’ location and orientation in the space where the location is defined.

Location-based AR

Location-based marker less aims at the fusion of 3D virtual objects in the physical space where the user is located. This technology uses the location and sensors of a smart device to position the virtual objects at the desired location or point of interest. This AR links the virtual image to a specific location by reading the data in real-time using the camera. This typology allows the option of adding interactive and useful digital content to geographies of interest for travelers within the specific area by the environment through the 3D virtual objects or videos.

Protection-based AR

The purpose of this method is to deliver digital data within a stationary environment. This enables the user to move about the environment in a specific area and place tracking cameras. The main use of this technology is to create illusions about the depth position and orientation of an object by projecting artificial light onto a real flat surface. Due to its ability to place instructions in a given area, it eliminates computers. This technology can provide feedback to optimize digital identification processes for manufacturing cycles.

Overlay AR

A type of AR lets humans see a virtual image instead of the object’s original view. Overlay AR provides multiple views of a target object with the option to display additional relevant information about that object.

Contour-based AR

Human eyes use special cameras to outline specific objects with lines to facilitate certain situations. A low visibility navigation system can use this technology to provide safe driving in low visibility.

Marker-based AR

The applications use the target markers to position objects in a given space. These images determine where the application will place the 3D digital content within the user’s field of view. In other words, these kinds of applications are linked to a specific physical image pattern marker in the real world to superimpose the 3D virtual object on it. So the cameras must continuously scan the input and place a marker for an image pattern recognition to create its geometry. In the case of a non-focused camera, the virtual object will not appear. A marker-based image recognition system requires several modules, such as a camera, image capture, image processing, and marker tracking.

Working procedure

Augmented reality starts with a camera-equipped device such as a smartphone, a tablet, or smart glasses loaded with AR software. Computer vision technology analyzes the video stream when a user points to the device and looks at an object. A device downloads information about an object from the cloud similar to how a web browser loads a page. In contrast to the 2D pages displayed on screens, AR information is presented in a 3D experience on an object. Using AR, users can view real-time data flowing from their products and control them using their voices or gestures.

Using an AR headset, the operator can access the robot’s controls and interact with its performance. As the new user moves the size and the orientation of the AR display automatically adjust to the shifting context. New graphical information comes into view where the other information passes out of view. In industrial settings, users in different roles such as machine operators and maintenance technicians can look at the same object but he presented the different AR experiences that are tailored to their needs. This type of model is created either by using computer-aided design usually during product development or using technology that digitalizes the physical objects. The twin collects the information from the product business systems and external sources to reflect the product’s current reality. It is the vehicle through which the AR software places and scales up-to-date information on the object.

Uses of Augmented Reality

Medical Training – In many areas of medical training, AR technology holds the potential to enhance effectiveness. We will learn anatomy utilizing the AR headset allows them to delve into the human body in an interactive 3D format.

Repair and MaintenanceOne of the biggest industrial use cases of AR is for the repair and maintenance of complex equipment. Whether it’s a car motor or an MRI machine, repair and maintenance staff are beginning to use AR headsets and glasses while they perform their jobs to provide them with useful information on the spot, suggest potential fixes, and point out potential trouble areas. This use case will only continue to get stronger as machine-to-machine IoT technology grows and can feed information directly to AR headsets.

Design and Modelling – Interior design to architecture and construction, AR is helping professionals visualize their final products during the creative process. AR headsets can be used by architects, engineers, and design professionals to see how their designs might look and even make virtual changes on-the-spot Urban planners can even visualize how entire cities might look using AR headsets. Any design or modeling jobs that involve spatial relationships are a perfect use case for AR tech.

Business LogisticsAR presents a variety of opportunities to increase efficiency and cost savings across many areas of business logistics. This includes transportation, warehousing, and route optimization. Shipping company DHL has already implemented smart AR glasses in some of its warehouses, where lenses display to workers the shortest route within a warehouse to locate and pick a certain item that needs to be shipped this Provides workers with more efficient ways to go about their job is one of the best ROI use cases in today’s business environment.

Advantages of Augmented Reality

  • Depending on the application, anyone can use it.
  • It helps in the efficient diagnosis of diseases and early detection of them.
  • Training programs can benefit from it because it makes things memorable and attention-grabbing.
  • Military personnel can use it for battlefield simulations before a war without putting their lives at risk.
  • This helps them to actual war to take critical decisions.

Disadvantages of Augmented Reality

  • Low performance
  • It is expensive to develop AR technology-based projects and maintain them.
  • Lack of privacy
  • It requires basic learning to effectively use AR-compliant devices.