Since introduction of Pong in 1970s, video games have
never failed to entertain us. With more than four decades gone by, computer-generated
graphics have become much improved to continuously push the boundary of
photorealism way further. Now the researchers and engineers are integrating
digitalized display into real-life environments. This new technology, through
which the developers are trying their best to change our perception of the
difference between what’s real and what’s virtual, is known as augmented
reality.
It’s
different from virtual reality
AR, way different from virtual reality, simulates
elements in real-world environment through augmentation of virtual imageries.
In other words, AR is meant to take your virtually created visual delight
closest to the real-world experience. The technology adds a layer of digitally
produced images, sounds, videos, haptic feedbacks and even smell on the
physical objects. Superimposition is done with such a high level of subtlety
that the viewers forget to differentiate between reality and virtual
components. This avant-garde technology now finds an optimum use in gaming and
entertainment industry.
Virtual reality is defined as something that
inspires the users to participate in completely engrossing computer-generated
areas (often referring to mixed reality setups). AR is a different concept in
the sense that it allows overlapping of physical-world components by digital
elements with an objective to present an augmented vision. Unfortunately, augmented reality and virtual reality are often used interchangeably. However,
with relentless research on gesture-based interfaces, the difference between AR
and VR is becoming increasingly irrelevant.
Cell
phones adding popularity of AR
Apart from video games, proliferation of high-end
mobiles, especially which run on iOS or Android platform, are forging a niche
for AR and its massive-sacle application. Why to mention only about the
entertainment world? AR-driven apps benefit everyone from the soldiers, drivers
to tourists, students and anyone else who is looking for accurate information
in innovative, interesting, interactive and digitalized format on mobile sets. Continuous
development in this field of technology has almost forced us to change our
perception about the surroundings.
With Augmented reality apps, you can see
yourself driving or walking along a picturesque road anywhere in this world. Or
won’t it give you Goosebumps after viewing yourself in hunt for dinosaurs? Remembering
the magic effect in Jurassic Park, aren’t you? Now you have got a little hang
of AR. However, how it works is beyond the limit of this article. AR display
devices resemble a normal pair of glasses and project informative graphics in
the field of your view. Audio will also match whatever you are watching, thus
imitating real-world picture and sound.
Augmented version of reality enriches your
experience. Apart from treating you to a new and immersive kind of visual
experience, AR-based applications also provide accurate information on
real-time basis. For example, a pilot wearing a specially designed helmet can
get to know the altitude of his current position, exact location of enemy
basement and other details which are very crucial for any fighter pilot on his
mission. The car drivers can view the direction to his destination, shortest
route possible to reach there, news about traffic jam etc. All details are
continuously refreshed to avoid dishing out stale information.
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