An enhanced version of reality created by the use of technology to overlay digital information on an image of something being viewed through a device (such as a smartphone camera) is also: the technology used to create augmented reality.
In contrast - Virtual Reality (VR) creates a fully computer-generated simulation of an environment.
Augmented Reality is already part of daily life without many realizing it. When using Google Street View, we are looking at graphics superimposed onto a visual reflection of the environment around us or replicated for us within our hand-held devices - This is an example of Augmented Reality in action.
How does it work?
There are a variety of ways Augmented Reality works technically - But we will focus on the two main methods that both the public and industry are utilizing the Augmented Reality technology today – Mobile hand-set and Visual Head-set.
For Mobiles, cameras and sensors are combined to blend a view of an environment with virtually generated objects and sounds produced by a 3rd party application. Sensors can be, for example, your phone's GPS, which can provide data to pinpoint your exact location – Google Street View utilizes this method.
The easy ability to place virtual objects into the environment your camera is capturing has pushed Augmented Reality into reality and everyday usage - Snapchat Virtual Overlay Filters do just this. Another common use for sensors is to read QR codes or coded tags – providing a range of possibilities such as product information or visual representations of products appearing within your device.
Augmented Reality glasses and headsets such as Microsoft HoloLens or Google Glass, work in much the same way as Mobile Handsets, but with the ability to project the blend of the real environment and created objects onto a screen in front of your eyes.
The more advanced headsets utilizing movement, touch, and sound to provide a fuller experience.
How is it being used today?
Augmented Reality is a useful tool for training employees and is already used in factories around the world. Google Glass may have failed to have become a public success, but still has a commercial future after being re-aligned to benefit the training and medical sectors.
The industry itself has learned from its own past mistakes to produce more user-friendly or better-formulated products today.
Microsoft benefiting from its wider brief to develop the HoloLens for both gaming and industry.
Augmented Reality is no longer a future innovation. It has arrived, developed, learned and refocused it's objective to provide real-world benefits for Industry today.
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