Augmented reality is a major breakthrough in the world of electronics and technology. Augmented reality refers to the live direct or indirect view of the real physical world which is augmented by virtual computer generated imagery. It can be defined as the combination of both the virtual and the real world. The concept of augmented reality is one step ahead of the concept of mediated reality, where the view of the real world is somewhat modified or even diminished by a computer.

Augmented reality technology generally functions by enhancing a person’s current perception of reality. Augmented reality technology superimposes graphics, audio, and other types of sensory enhancements from a computer screen onto real-time, physical environments. Augmented reality technology is far closer to the real world than any other computer generated reality has been. It can project digital data onto real objects to enhance our view of the world around us.  While augmented reality technology can benefit practically any industry, it is presently being used primarily in the video game and the mobile technology industries.

Augmented reality technology uses a combination of image registration software and various types of hardware to function, including a display, a computer, input devices, and tracking devices. Tracking devices mainly include accelerators, GPS systems, solid state compasses, and wireless sensors. The types of input devices used in augmented reality technology include special gloves, button-based wands, and smartphones. The displays used in augmented reality technology may be head-mounted, handheld, or spatial.  Head-mounted displays project images of the both the virtual and the real worlds and superimpose virtual graphic objects over the user’s view of the real world. It is either optical see-through or video see-through in nature. Handheld displays use a small, portable computing device like a smartphone.  Handheld displays utilize video see-through techniques to project graphic information onto the real world, as well as tracking sensors, like digital compasses and GPS technology. Spatial displays, or SAR, use digital projectors to project digital data onto the physical world. This display is generally separated from the users of the system.

The invention of augmented reality is a tremendous technological breakthrough that will change the way we view and experience the world around us. Contact Apollo Matrix today to learn more about how augmented reality technology can enhance the way you do business.