AR Technology 101: Types, Elements, Devices and More!

The concept of Augmented Reality Technology(AR) has been around since the 1960s, but the term “Augmented Reality” was coined in 1992 by a researcher at Boeing, Tom Caudell, and his colleague, David Mizell. They used the term to describe a system that used a head-mounted display to project virtual graphics onto physical objects in a manufacturing environment.

However, the first AR system was created in 1968 by computer scientist Ivan Sutherland, who developed a head-mounted display that overlaid wireframe graphics on the real world. The technology was called “The Sword of Damocles” because the display was so heavy that it had to be suspended from the ceiling.

Since then, AR technology has continued to evolve, and there have been many innovators and inventors who have contributed to its development. Some notable names in the history of AR include Steve Mann, who developed the first wearable AR computer in the 1980s, and Hirokazu Kato, who created the ARToolKit software library that is still widely used today.

Let us now understand augmented reality and its types.

What is AR Technology and its types?

AR stands for Augmented Reality, which is a technology that allows digital objects to be superimposed on the real world, enhancing the user’s perception of their environment.

According to MarketsandMarkets, the global AR market size is expected to reach $61.39 billion by 2023, growing at a CAGR of 40.29% from 2018 to 2023.

There are several types of AR technology, including:

1. Marker-based AR

This type of AR uses a visual marker or pattern as a reference point to overlay digital content on top of it. The marker is usually a printed image, and when the camera detects it, it triggers the display of the corresponding AR content.

2. Markerless AR

In this type of AR, the digital content is overlaid on real-world objects without the need for a specific marker. Instead, the AR software uses image recognition, GPS, or other sensors to track the user’s location and surroundings.

3. Projection-based AR

This type of AR projects digital content onto real-world objects, such as walls or tables, using a projector. The projector uses sensors to detect the user’s movements and adjust the projection accordingly.

4. Superimposition-based AR

This type of AR replaces part of the user’s view of the real world with digital content. For example, an AR app may use the camera to show the user a live video feed of their surroundings, but with added digital objects, such as virtual furniture in a room.

5. Outlining-based AR

This type of AR outlines real-world objects and highlights them with digital content. This is often used in industrial settings, where workers wear AR glasses that highlight specific parts of machinery or tools that need attention or repair.

These are just a few examples of the types of AR technology available. As AR continues to evolve, we can expect to see new and innovative applications emerge.

Does AR Technology need a camera?

Yes, Augmented Reality (AR) typically requires a camera to function. The camera on the device captures the real-world environment and sends that information to the AR software, which then overlays digital content on top of the real world. The camera also provides information about the user’s position and orientation, which helps to align the AR content with the real world.

Most modern devices, including smartphones, tablets, and AR glasses, come with built-in cameras that can be used for AR applications. Some AR devices may have specialized cameras that provide more advanced tracking and sensing capabilities, such as depth sensing or infrared sensors.

There are some types of AR experiences that don’t require a camera, such as location-based AR experiences that use GPS to place virtual content in the real world. However, most AR experiences that involve the overlay of digital content onto the real world will require a camera to capture the real-world environment.

Three elements of AR technology

The three essential elements of Augmented Reality (AR) are:

1. A real-world environment

This refers to the physical space around the user where the AR experience takes place. It could be anything from a room to an outdoor location, and the AR content is overlaid on top of this real-world environment.

2. Virtual objects

These are the digital elements that are superimposed on the real-world environment to create the AR experience. They could be anything from 3D models to text or images, and they can be interactive, responding to user input.

3. A device or platform

This is the technology that enables the user to experience the AR content. It could be a smartphone or tablet, an AR headset or glasses, or any other device capable of displaying AR content.

These three elements work together to create a seamless AR experience for the user, allowing them to interact with digital content in the real world.

What devices are needed for AR?

There are several devices that can be used to experience Augmented Reality (AR), including:

1. Smartphones and tablets

Most modern smartphones and tablets have built-in cameras, sensors, and processors that can support AR experiences. AR apps can be downloaded from app stores, and users can use their device’s camera to view and interact with AR content.

2. AR glasses and headsets

AR glasses and headsets are wearable devices that overlay digital content onto the user’s field of view. These devices often have more advanced sensors and processors than smartphones and can provide a more immersive AR experience.

3. Smart glasses

Smart glasses are a type of wearable technology that combines the functionality of a smartphone with the convenience of a pair of glasses. They typically have a transparent display that can show digital content overlaid on the real world, and they often have built-in voice assistants and gesture controls.

4. AR projectors

AR projectors are devices that project digital content onto real-world surfaces, such as walls or tables. They use sensors to track the user’s movements and adjust the projection accordingly.

The specific device needed for AR will depend on the type of AR experience being developed or used. For simple AR experiences, a smartphone or tablet may be sufficient, while more advanced experiences may require a dedicated AR headset or glasses.

What problems can AR technology solve?

Augmented Reality (AR) technology can solve a range of problems across a variety of industries. Here are some examples:

1. Training and education

AR can be used to create interactive and immersive training and educational experiences, allowing users to practice skills and learn in a safe and controlled environment.

2. Product design and prototyping

AR can help designers and engineers visualize and test product designs in a virtual environment, reducing the need for physical prototypes and speeding up the development process.

3. Remote collaboration and support

AR can enable remote teams to collaborate and provide support, allowing experts to guide technicians or workers in the field using AR glasses or smartphones.

4. Retail and marketing

AR can enhance the retail experience by allowing customers to see how products would look in their homes or on their bodies before making a purchase. It can also be used to create interactive marketing campaigns that engage customers and increase brand awareness.

5. Healthcare

AR can be used to train medical professionals, provide patient education, and assist in surgical procedures by overlaying medical images onto the patient’s body.

6. Real estate

AR can allow prospective buyers to visualize and interact with virtual furniture and décor in a potential new home or space.

These are just a few examples of how AR technology can solve problems and provide benefits across a variety of industries. As AR technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see even more innovative applications emerge.

Why AR is better than VR?

Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) are two different technologies that offer different experiences, and neither is inherently better than the other. However, AR and VR have different strengths and weaknesses, and each technology may be better suited for certain use cases.

One of the key advantages of AR is that it allows users to see and interact with virtual content overlaid on the real world. This can create a more seamless and natural experience, as users don’t need to completely disconnect from their surroundings. AR can also be more accessible, as it can be experienced using devices that many people already own, such as smartphones or tablets.

On the other hand, VR offers a more immersive and fully-realized virtual experience. Users can be transported to entirely new worlds or environments, which can be especially useful for applications like gaming, simulations, or training. VR can also offer more precise tracking and control, as users typically wear dedicated headsets and controllers.

Ultimately, the choice between AR and VR will depend on the specific use case and goals of the application. In some cases, AR may be the better choice for creating an interactive and engaging experience that blends seamlessly with the real world. In other cases, VR may be more suitable for creating a fully immersive and transformative experience.

Wrap Up

In conclusion, Augmented Reality (AR) technology has made significant strides in recent years, and it has the potential to transform a variety of industries, from healthcare and education to gaming and retail. The current state of AR is characterized by the proliferation of AR-enabled devices and the development of increasingly sophisticated AR software and applications.

Looking ahead, we can expect to see continued growth and innovation in the AR space, as new use cases and applications emerge, and as the technology continues to evolve and improve. Some of the key areas of development include advancements in AR hardware, such as more powerful sensors and displays, as well as new applications in areas like remote collaboration and training.

As AR technology becomes more integrated into our daily lives, it has the potential to revolutionize the way we work, learn, and interact with the world around us.