Augmented reality (AR) refers to the process of enhancing or amplifying the real-world images that we see through our eyes, with the help of computer-generated images. The motive behind augmented reality is to add description and definition to places or objects in the real world. It is different from virtual reality as virtual reality only creates a computer simulated environment. Augmented reality is based on a real-world object or space and combines several technologies that add appropriate information to help the person better understand that space or topic. For example, a fighter pilot on the battlefield calculating the trajectory of the enemy’s location with the help of AR. In this case, the augmented reality used by the pilot includes a built-in helmet with a computer interface and other satellite and radar technologies that map geographic battlefield data. In addition, AR also adds voice, various other coordinates, atmospheric or weather information, and much more that increases the success rate of the pilot in a mission.
The technology is advancing rapidly in recent years and has started to be applied in many fields including aviation (commercial airlines), where the pilot obtains important information about the landscape, maps, instructions, weather and technical information about the plane itself; museums, where the various artifacts can be labeled with descriptions such as when and where they were forged or found, their historical details, etc.; medical, where doctors can access patient data to make diagnoses; training, where information about the mechanism or how things work can be given to engineering students; and in the automotive industries, where automakers integrate AR navigation functionality into the windshield that provides driving directions to the driver.
Furthermore, augmented reality can also act as an informational and entertainment tool for an ordinary person. There are many AR applications for mobile phones that the user can download and use for informational purposes. Some of the multi-platform apps that are available in the market are Wikitude, Google Goggles, Layar, SpotCrime, Augmented Colors, Augmented Car Finder, Google Sky Map, AR Invaders, Lookator, TagWhat and much more.
Augmented reality has been well received by people all over the world despite being a relatively new developing technology. Although it is not fully developed, tech giants around the world are constantly investing in research and development for it. In addition, CG artists from various places have also come together to provide 3D content for the AR environment.