Wayfinding - Augmented Reality Research

Augmented Reality 

A technology that superimposes a computer-generated image on a user's view of the real world, thus providing a composite view.

The technology enables the user to mix an experience of virtual reality and normal reality, pulling up the advantages of both, thus enabling to enhance the way the viewer sees the world. This has been used in historical context to show how it looks, and in a modern context to add visuals without having to change the surroundings. 

Pokemon Go

One of the most viral examples of augmented reality and the way in which it is tapping into peoples everyday lives is Pokemon Go, the game went globally viral just post its release. The game used augmented reality to identify characters in the street. The user would use the camera on the device to move around and on screen, the augmented generated imagery would appear, this would work as the user travels around the building and a series of infographics would guide them.  

Type of augmented reality:

1. Projection based AR
As the name clearly says this type of AR projects digital images on physical objects in the physical space. It can be interactive and project a digital keyboard on your desk, or a dialer on your hand. It might be non-interactive and it can be used to create a projection of objects that you can position and see in depth – for example, it might show you if your future fridge will fit into that space you have near the oven by projecting the fridge in front of you.

2. Recognition based AR
Whenever you scan a QR code or scan an image and it comes to live (just like in iGreet cards) you are actually using a recognition based AR. This how iGreet works – the AR app detects and recognizes something called AR marker. Once it recognizes the marker, it replaces it with a corresponding object. Another type of recognition based AR tech is the one that translates words seen through the camera. This type of AR also seems to be the most widely used one – along with the next one.

3. Location-based AR
Location-based AR is taking advantage of the smart devices’ location detection features. If you’re a traveller and you want to discover new great places, this method will use your location by reading your smart device’s GPS, compass and accelerometer and give you relevant information about what you’re looking for on your screen.

4. Outlining AR
The line here is a bit blurry – outlining AR uses object recognition to work, and might look a bit like a projection based AR. For example, whenever you’re parking your modern car in the dark, outlining AR recognizes the boundaries of the road and outlines them for you. This method can also be used in architecture and engineering to outline buildings and their supporting pillars.

5. Superimposition based ARSuperimposition based AR also uses object recognition in order to replace an entire object or a part of it with an augmented view. For example, if you’ve ever played FPS games, you know how your soldier may have advanced military equipment showing infrared view, night vision, radioactive view, etc. – this is all superimposition based AR. Also, in medicine, a doctor can use this technology to superimpose an X-ray view of a patient’s broken arm bone on a real image to provide a clear understanding of what the bone’s damage actually is.