An Overview: Understanding Different Types of Augmented Reality

Analytics Insights presents an overview of the different types of Augmented Reality.

One of the biggest technological trends spreading across the world is Augmented Reality (AR) that allows us to see the real-life environment with a digital augmentation overlaid on it. Yes, there is an argument whether Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality are different or not. But Augmented Reality is a highly visual and interactive method of overlaying digital content like sounds, videos, GPS, and graphics onto real work environments through cameras. Augmented reality applications can easily be delivered on mainstream devices such as smartphones, tablets, RealWear or HoloLens 2 headsets. It is seeking its way into different industries to enhance the workflow especially with the advent of the 5G network. Some reputed companies like Google, Amazon, Facebook, and Instagram are utilizing Augmented Reality software and applications to enhance productivity and create fun filters for the users. Analytics Insight presents an overview of different types of Augmented Reality that you should know about.

Different types of Augmented Reality

Marker-based AR: It is tied to a specific physical image pattern marker in a real-world environment to superimpose the virtual 3D object, text, or animation on top of it. The cameras continuously scan the input and put a mark for image pattern recognition to create its geometry. When the camera is not focused on a particular spot, the virtual 3D object is not shown properly. You have experience with marker-based AR through Instagram, Facebook, and Snapchat filters and games like Pokemon Go. It is gradually entering into our daily lives through fun and social activities. Marker-based AR image recognition system consists of several modules such as camera, image capturing, image processing, rendering as well as marker tracking. It is easy and budget-friendly to implement on the filters through a custom app for recognizing specific patterns using its camera feed.

Markerless AR: It refers to the software application that does not require any camera to put a mark for image pattern recognition. Markerless AR places virtual 3D objects in the real-life environment by examining the features present in the real-time data. It relies on the hardware of any smartphone including the camera, GPS, digital compass, and accelerometer for the AR software to complete the work efficiently. There is no need for an object tracking system due to the advancement in cameras, sensors, and AI algorithms. It merges the digital data with input from real-time data that are registered to a physical space. Markerless AR image analysis utilizes the Simultaneous Localisation And Mapping technology (SLAM) that scans the environment and creates appropriate maps to place the virtual 3D objects. The user can increase the average range of motion while experiencing the Augmented Reality. There are four different categories of markerless AR such as location-based AR, Projection-based AR, Superimposition AR, and Outlining AR.

Location-based AR: It ties the augmentation to a specific place by reading the real-time data from a smartphone camera, GPS, digital compass as well as and accelerometer. Location-based AR does not require any cue from an image or object to deploy as it can predict the user's focus as a trigger to pair the real-time data with the present location. It also allows developers to attach interactive and useful digital content to geographical points of interest. It is beneficial to travelers to have a clear understanding of the whereabouts of a specific area through virtual 3D objects, videos, texts, links, and audio.

Projection-based AR: It is a method of delivering digital data within a stationary context as projection-based AR focuses on rendering virtual 3D objects within or on a user's physical space. The user can freely move around the environment within a specified zone where the fixed projector and a camera for tracking are placed. It is used to create illusions on the depth, position, and orientation of an object by projecting artificial light onto the real flat surfaces. Projection-based AR can be applied for proper guidance to simplify the complex manual tasks in companies or industries. It eliminates the need for computers and screens as the instructions can be placed on a particular task space. Projection-based AR also provides feedback for process improvement and unique digital IDs for build cycles.

Superimposition AR: It is used either for partial or full replacement of the original view of an object with an updated augmented view of that object for the human eye. Superimposition AR provides multiple views of a target object with the option of showing extra relevant information on that object.

Outlining AR: Special cameras are built for human eyes to perform outlining of the specified objects like boundaries and lines to help in certain situations. Outlining AR utilizes object recognition for a better understanding of the current environment. It is specially used in-car navigation systems for safe driving after sunset.