Augmented reality (AR) combines real-world and computer-generated data. Most AR research focuses on digitally processing video imagery and augmenting it with computer graphics. AR systems must combine real and virtual aspects, be interactive in real-time, and be registered in three dimensions. Unlike virtual reality, AR users are aware they are in the real world. Current uses of AR include first down lines in football broadcasts and head-up displays in vehicles. Future applications could include AR for education, medicine, gaming, and anywhere information could be instantly overlaid on a real-world view. Continued AR research aims to instantly retrieve and display data related to a user's real-world view, with many potential applications.

1. Augmented RealityAugmented Reality

2. What is Augmented Reality?What is Augmented Reality?
 Augmented realityAugmented reality ((ARAR) is a field of) is a field of
computer research which deals with thecomputer research which deals with the
combination of real-world and computer-combination of real-world and computer-
generated data.generated data.
 Most of the AR research is currentlyMost of the AR research is currently
concerned with the use of video imageryconcerned with the use of video imagery
which is digitally processed andwhich is digitally processed and
augmented by adding computer-generatedaugmented by adding computer-generated
graphics.graphics.

3. What is AR? (cont.)What is AR? (cont.)
 Ronald Azuma defines an augmentedRonald Azuma defines an augmented
reality system as one that:reality system as one that:
• Combines real and virtual world aspectsCombines real and virtual world aspects
• Is interactive in real-timeIs interactive in real-time
• Is registered in three dimensionsIs registered in three dimensions

4. Augmented vs. Virtual RealityAugmented vs. Virtual Reality
 One of the identifying marks of a virtual realityOne of the identifying marks of a virtual reality
system is the head mounted display worn bysystem is the head mounted display worn by
users.users.
 These displays block out all the external worldThese displays block out all the external world
and present to the wearer a view that is underand present to the wearer a view that is under
the complete control of the computer.the complete control of the computer.
 In Augmented Reality, the user must still beIn Augmented Reality, the user must still be
aware that he or she is present in the “realaware that he or she is present in the “real
world.”world.”

5. How does AR Work?How does AR Work?
 The basic idea of augmented reality is toThe basic idea of augmented reality is to
superimpose graphics, audio and other sensesuperimpose graphics, audio and other sense
enhancements over a real-world environment inenhancements over a real-world environment in
real-time.real-time.
 The graphics will then change to accommodateThe graphics will then change to accommodate
the user’s eye or head movements.the user’s eye or head movements.
Simulated augmented reality medical image

6. What is needed?What is needed?
 There are three components needed in order toThere are three components needed in order to
make an augmented-reality system work:make an augmented-reality system work:
• Head-mounted displayHead-mounted display
• Tracking systemTracking system
• Mobile computing powerMobile computing power

7. Current Uses of ARCurrent Uses of AR
 Yellow first down lineYellow first down line
used on TV broadcastsused on TV broadcasts
of football games:of football games:
• Real world elements:Real world elements:
football field andfootball field and
playersplayers
• Virtual element: theVirtual element: the
yellow line drawnyellow line drawn
over the image byover the image by
computers in real-computers in real-
timetime

8. Current Uses of ARCurrent Uses of AR
 HUD (Head UpHUD (Head Up
Display):Display):
• Used in commercialUsed in commercial
aircraft, automobiles,aircraft, automobiles,
and otherand other
applicationsapplications
• Presents data withoutPresents data without
requiring the user torequiring the user to
look away from his orlook away from his or
her usual viewpointher usual viewpoint

9. LifeClipperLifeClipper
 LifeClipper is aLifeClipper is a
wearable AR systemwearable AR system
being used inbeing used in
Switzerland.Switzerland.
 When walking aroundWhen walking around
a chosen culturallya chosen culturally
interesting area, theinteresting area, the
user will feel asuser will feel as
though they arethough they are
watching a film.watching a film.

10. Wikitude – AR Travel GuideWikitude – AR Travel Guide
 Mobile travel guide forMobile travel guide for
the Android platformthe Android platform
(open source OS for cell(open source OS for cell
phones).phones).
 Plan a trip or find aboutPlan a trip or find about
current surroundings incurrent surroundings in
real-time.real-time.

11. Future of ARFuture of AR
 MilitaryMilitary::
• The Office of Naval Research has sponsored AR researchThe Office of Naval Research has sponsored AR research
• AR system could provide troops with vital informationAR system could provide troops with vital information
about their surroundings.about their surroundings.
 MedicalMedical::
• Superimpose an image from an MRI onto a patient’sSuperimpose an image from an MRI onto a patient’s
body.body.
• This might allow surgeons to pinpoint a tumor toThis might allow surgeons to pinpoint a tumor to
remove.remove.
 EducationEducation::
• Used in labs where students can learn more about theUsed in labs where students can learn more about the
experiments they are participating in.experiments they are participating in.

12. Future of ARFuture of AR
 GamingGaming::
• ARQuake is an AR versionARQuake is an AR version
of the popular gameof the popular game
Quake.Quake.
 11stst
person shooter thatperson shooter that
allows the user to runallows the user to run
around in the realaround in the real
world while playing aworld while playing a
game in the computergame in the computer
generated world.generated world.
 Uses GPS, a hybridUses GPS, a hybrid
magnetic and interialmagnetic and interial
orientation sensor, gunorientation sensor, gun
controller, and acontroller, and a
standard laptop carriedstandard laptop carried
in a backpack.in a backpack.

13. Why continue research in AR?Why continue research in AR?
 AR systems will instantly recognize whatAR systems will instantly recognize what
someone is looking at, and retrieve and displaysomeone is looking at, and retrieve and display
the data related to that view.the data related to that view.
 There are hundreds of potential applications forThere are hundreds of potential applications for
such a technology, gaming and entertainmentsuch a technology, gaming and entertainment
being the most obvious ones.being the most obvious ones.
 Any system that gives people instant information,Any system that gives people instant information,
requiring no research on their part, is bound torequiring no research on their part, is bound to
be a valuable to anyone in any field.be a valuable to anyone in any field.