Augmented reality
What is Augmented reality?
Augmented reality is where virtual objects, people and any 3D composition is put onto an mobile device or tablet that allows the user to feel like the 3D compositions and creatures are in the environment. You point your tablet and phone around in any angles or movement and the creatures, objects, colour correction and everything will be placed into the environment you are in by using the camera. You can see real-life movement in the environment through the camera, while also seeing added creatures moving around making the screen look believable. An example of a augmented reality game is Pokemon Go. Pokemon Go is a game in which you walk around in your own landscape environment to try and find different Pokemon creatures in order for your character to level up and progress through the game. The more or higher level Pokemon's you find, the better.
Why is Augmented reality different from virtual reality?
The virtual reality definition is: " the computer-generated simulation of a three-dimensional image or environment that can be interacted with in a seemingly real or physical way by a person using special electronic equipment, such as a helmet with a screen inside or gloves fitted with sensors." It is where the first person user is being put into a virtual reality world where their senses such as fear or emotion are triggered automatically, as what they are seeing around them is seemingly real. Virtual reality may be used to cure health issues, visualise business buildings and environment or to just play a game in a virtual reality world. The images below shows different games in which visuals are triggered into the virtual reality world to make the user feel as if they are there.
The difference between virtual reality and augmented reality is that virtual reality puts the user into a completely new and 'fake' world that feels seemingly real. Augmented reality is looking at the environment in front of you. It uses the environment around you with added in characters or objects. The user is not put into the world as they are using a handheld device.
What are the three types of Augmented reality?
The head mounted display
The handheld device
The spatial display
The head mounted display is a display in which you wear your helmet as headwear and you see visuals which may resemble goggles or glasses.
The handheld device is using your mobile phone or tablet in which you can take out into your natural landscape environment.
The spatial display "makes use of projected graphical displays onto fixed surfaces."
The website I used for quotations: https://www.lifewire.com/applications-of-augmented-reality-2495561
Where can Augmented reality come in handy?
As applications - The gaming industry is allowing for games to be developed where the user is able to play them while outside in the fresh air. This means the user is no longer needed to be isolated and alone in their room to play the game, they can experience the world outside and gain their vitamin D needed while being occupied. You would be equipped with the wearable head gear of course but the applications allow you to play games through being downloaded by the available app store or play store.
Navigation - navigation applications are the most common use of Augmented reality as it makes it easier for the user to get from location A to B.
Sightseeing - Sightseeing applications allows the user to scope through many tourist attractions while being able to see pop up text showing the facts and figures or the historic background behind the attraction
Military - The head-mounted display can be used by ground troops where they are able to see the critical information needed such as enemy locations or simulations for training needs. The pilot may also use a augmented display in front of him to clock his altitude, air speed and horizon line when taking off.
Medical - "There have been really interesting advances in the medical application of augmented reality. Medical students use the technology to practice surgery in a controlled environment. Visualisations aid in explaining complex medical conditions to patients. Augmented reality can reduce the risk of an operation by giving the surgeon improved sensory perception."
Maintenance and repair - "Using a head-worn display, a mechanic making repairs to engine can see superimposed imagery and information in their actual line of sight. The procedure might be presented in a box in the corner and an image of the tool that they would use can illustrate the exact motion the mechanic needs to perform. The augmented reality system can label all the important parts. Complex procedural repairs can be broken down into a series of simple steps. Simulations can be used to train technicians which can significantly reduce training expenses."
Gaming - There are now portable head gear systems in which the user is able to wear with their mobile device inside. You can also download applications from the app store or play store where you can play augmented games such as Pokemon Go.
Entertainment - Go to this website: https://www.lego.com/en-gb/products?domainredir=atlantis.lego.com This website allows you to print off black and white images and hold them up to your webcam on your computer to generated a 3D representation of lego. There are also plenty of applications such as Aurasma or Layar in which you can scope your surroundings to find many auras that others have created. Many people create their own auras using after effects or video editing software to create their own sequences and animations with added characters that bring their triggers to life.
Lastly, Advertising and Promotion - Applications such as Aurasma https://www.aurasma.com/ allow you to scan triggers (images) and see animations. This allows businesses to create animations by scanning their logo, products or business cards. It allows for them to gain customers and promotional advances.
I have created an augmented reality animation using Photoshop to scale the logo correctly, after effects to create the animation and lastly Aurasma to upload my trigger and mp4 video and create an aura. This is my aura:
