Augmented reality is one of the newest technologies that superimpose graphic, audio or other computer generated sensory inputs on to a real world environment in real time. However augmented reality is more advanced than the technology used in television broadcasts. Augmented reality overlay graphics for every outlook and adjusts to every movement of the user. They were extensively used in video games in the beginning and are currently incorporated in to the mobile phones too. More technologies are taking on augmented reality because of its efficiency and high interaction capabilities. Lots of research and work on this technology are still going on in laboratories and it is expected that more augmented reality systems will hit the markets by the end of this decade.
The basic components used in an augmented reality system include head-mounted display, tracking system and a mobile computer. The goal is to incorporate these three components to a single unit like a walkman or a pair of goggles that is portable. Head-mounted display acts as a monitor that displays the superimposed images created by the computer. These can be ‘video see’ through systems or ‘optical see’ through systems. The video see through systems blocks the user’s view of the outside world and uses a camera attached outside the goggles to display the real time images. The disadvantage of this system is the delay in image adjustment when the user moves the head. Optical see through system uses light to paint the images directly on to the retina of the user through the rapid movement of the light source. However its high price is the drawback of this system. Tracking the user’s movements including his location is one of the biggest challenges faced by the developers of augmented reality. Tracking system needs to recognize these movements and display the images related to the outside environment that the user sees at any given point of time. Lastly, augmented reality system is never complete without the highly mobile computers. However there is a lack of powerful computer system that can create stereo 3-D graphics. So graphics processing units (GPUs) are incorporated in to laptops.
The potential applications for augmented reality systems are many in our daily lives. It is extensively used in gaming and entertainment. It is used in video games and gives the user the access to all the character’s vital statistics. Sports fans will also get up to date information and can enhance their sport-viewing from home. Augmented reality system can help the military by providing crucial information about their surroundings and also the presence of friendly or enemy troops in the area. They can also be used in medical imaging where doctors can have access to patient information and also help in getting accurate information they need to make a diagnosis or decision. Augmented reality can be used in educational institutions too. It can help students learn lessons beyond a field trip. Augmented reality systems can be used in any field or industry and they will have a big role to play in how people live their lives in future.
