Augmented Reality

Chris Baker
Comp 4640

What is Augmented Reality?

Augmented reality (AR) is a field of

computer research which deals with the
combination of real-world and computergenerated 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.

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

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.

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 users eye or head movements.

Simulated augmented reality medical image

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

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 realtime

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

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.

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.

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 patients
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.

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.

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.