Week 06 - New Technology Augmented Reality

TL:DR - Augmented Reality to fundamentally reshape how humans interact with the physical world


Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) are colossal technology trends to-date. AR is an “enhanced” version of reality using technology to superimposed computer-generated information like sounds, images, and text over a user’s physical real-world environment to provide assistance in everyday activities. Thus, enhances one’s perception of reality rather than replacing it. This technology shouldn’t be mistaken for VR where an entirely computer-generated environment is created for the user to inhabit and interact with.

Figure 1: Reality grading

Augmented reality is not a new technology, but some a form of it has been around for years. An example, the heads-up display in fighter aircraft show information about the attitude, direction and speed of the aircraft. The pivot point to bringing this technology to the general consumer started with Google Glass in 2013. Several categories of augmented reality technology exist, each with varying differences in their objectives and applicational use cases:

• Marker-based (Image Recognition): The digital world is anchored to the real world objects. A camera and visual marker combined to produce a result only when the marker is sensed by a reader.
• Markerless (location-based, position-based, or GPS): Uses a combination of camera systems, dedicated sensors (GPS, digital compass, velocity meter, or accelerometer), and complex math to accurately detect and map the real-world environment based on location.
• Projection: Projects digital images with artificial light directly onto objects or surfaces in the real world. The light senses the human interaction (i.e. touch) of that projected light.
• Superimposition: Uses object recognition either partially or fully replace an object within the user’s environment with a digital image.

Figure 2: Timeline

AR can be displayed on various devices and involves technologies such as simultaneous localization and mapping, depth tracking, and the following components:

Cameras and sensors to collecting data about user’s interactions for processing.

Processing similar to computers requiring a central processing unit, graphical processing unit, storage, memory, and other components to measure speed, angle, direction, orientation in space, etc.

Projection as a means to display the digital information data onto a surface for viewing.

Reflection mirror to assist human eyes with proper alignment.

Figure 3: AR components

Augmented reality devices come in multiple form factors:

• Head-mounted
• Eyeglasses
• Contact lens
• Virtual retinal displays
• EyeTap
• Handheld
• Spatial

The use case for augmented reality are endless where the sky is the limit. This technology serves every industry here is a listing of only a small amount of use cases, https://uploadvr.com/augmented-reality-use-cases-list/. Currently I am assisting the organization I work for with bringing on Augmented Reality in a secure manner for Utility applications for Electrical Utility and Water Utility. Just imagine the ability of field workers not relying on 2D drawing or hardcopy drawings, but a visual overlay of the infrastructure that is underground overplayed to the physical space the user is occupied to make decision and work safely in the field.

Figure 4: Overlay example

The following are videos on how augmented reality change the world.

This video has humanistic discussion at a personal level that is quite inspiring. From 3:10 - 4:37 it provides excellent illustration of use cases.

This video is so revolutionary of augmented realities potential.

Augmented Reality has the ability to fundamentally reshape how humans interact with the physical world. As devices adapt to the new technology, the growth of Augmented Reality has no limitations.