In the previous article on augmented reality we explored its history and looked at the concept of augmented reality. Below, we’ll take a look at how AR works and what its main types are. This will help you pick out the best way to use AR for your business.

There’s a general pattern of how AR is made: an AR device camera shoots a real-life object. Then, the device's software identifies the image, selects or computes an image-matching visual supplement, combines the real image with its supplement and displays the output image on the visualization device.

AR may employ a certain data range: images, animation, video, 3D-models. AR may be displayed on various devices: screens, glasses, pocket devices, mobile phones, head-up displays. It includes such technology as S.L.A.M. (simultaneous localization and mapping), depth tracking (data of the probe computing distance to objects), as well as the following components:

  • Cameras and probes. User interaction data collection and submission for further processing. Device cameras scan the environment, and with the help of this information the device finds physical objects and generates 3D-models. Those can be special-purpose cameras, for instance, in Microsoft Hololens, or regular smartphone cameras for photos and videos.
  • Processing. Eventually, AR devices should work like small computers, as it is done by modern smartphones. They also require a central processing unit, a graphic processing unit, flash memory, RAM, Bluetooth/WiFi, GPS etc. to be able to measure speed, angle, direction, space orientation
  • Projection. This is done with the help of a small AR device projector that collects data from the probes, processes and displays them on a surface for viewing, which may be used in the field of commerce: goods and services.
  • Reflection. Certain AR devices contain mirrors that help a human eye to view virtual images. Some devices feature a set of small curved mirrors, and some have a two-sided mirror that reflects the light produced by the camera and user eyes. The purpose of such reflection trajectories is an appropriate image straightening.

 

Types of augmented reality

The marker-based AR requires a physical object, a template – for instance, a QR-code overlaid with a virtual object.

In the case of the markerless AR, no marker is required. The grid overlays the environment and detects fixed points to which the virtual model is attached.

The projection-based AR seeks to make factories smarter, safer and more efficient. The projector eliminates the need for paper instruction via creating a digital layer on almost every work surface. These are holograms that we’ve all seen in sci-fi movies, such as Star Wars. The technology detects user interaction with the projection by its transformations.

The superimposition-based AR partially or completely replaces the original object presentation with its augmented image. In this case, object recognition plays a key role, as its absence makes the entire concept impossible. We all have seen an example of the superimposition-based augmented reality in IKEA Catalog, which gives users an opportunity to place virtual pieces of furniture in their room.

To sum up, we’d like to add that today, augmented reality is one of the most advanced technologies. The types of augmented reality we’ve outlined clearly show us how to implement ideas using AR. If you want to create a competitive advertising campaign, effectively present new products and attract new customers or order an AR app development, we’re here to help you. Our company offers product-from-scratch services – from competitive analysis to testing and further promotion.