Augmented Reality

1. Augmented Reality
Chris Baker
Comp 4640

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

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

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

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

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

7. Current Uses of AR
 Yellow first down line
used on TV broadcasts
of football games:
• Real world elements:
football field and
players
• Virtual element: the
yellow line drawn
over the image by
computers in real-
time

8. Current Uses of AR
 HUD (Head Up
Display):
• Used in commercial
aircraft, automobiles,
and other
applications
• Presents data without
requiring the user to
look away from his or
her usual viewpoint

9. LifeClipper
 LifeClipper is a
wearable AR system
being used in
Switzerland.
 When walking around
a chosen culturally
interesting area, the
user will feel as
though they are
watching a film.

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

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

12. Future of AR
 Gaming:
• ARQuake is an AR version
of the popular game
Quake.
 1st person shooter that
allows the user to run
around in the real
world while playing a
game in the computer
generated world.
 Uses GPS, a hybrid
magnetic and interial
orientation sensor, gun
controller, and a
standard laptop carried
in a backpack.

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