Augmented Reality (AR)

Introduction to Augmented Reality

Augmented reality is a term used to describe overlaying virtual, computer-generated images on top of a view of the real, physical world. Popularised by frequent features in science-fiction films, augmented reality is beginning to become more widely used, with the increase in powerful, mobile devices.

Mainstream augmented reality applications are predominantly seen on fixed or mobile screens. Head-mounted-displays are often seen as the ultimate display for AR, but involve much greater costs than standard screens.

With the model above, an augmented reality tag is shown to a computer's camera running software designed to recognise the tag, and centre a virtual model of a car over the tag.

With increasingly powerful processing and graphics resources, smartphones are able to offer mobile augmented reality functions, such as virtual directions and models.