Augmented Reality Brings Virtual Information Into the Real World
Augmented reality, also known as augmented reality (AR) is the development of technologies to create an interface between reality and the user’s perception of it. Augmented reality starts with the idea that the world we live in is full of patterns and structures that can be used to represent external reality on a sub-space/virtual plane. In essence, our minds are ultra-modern virtual reality systems, which operate in a highly abstracted state. They attempt to view the world from a new perspective, and attempt to find meaning in their everyday actions. This is similar to the work of the mystics, who perceive the world differently from the common perception, and use it to unlock its hidden truth.
The basic concept of augmented reality is the use of computer software to superimpose a different version of the world around you onto the internal memory of your computer. A good example of such software would be Google Earth, which presents the virtual world around you in 3D. Other examples of similar applications include MetaTrace, which use the GPS technology to create an augmented reality map, and Skype, which create an immersive environment through sound and video. This software allow us to make our living experience more interesting, and in fact, help us become more aware of what is actually happening in the world around us.
Another important aspect of augmented reality is how it has evolved and been applied in the fields of education, business, sports, medicine and military. Education is a very obvious application, where the development of smart wearable devices has meant that learning can be done in virtually real-time, from anywhere in the world. As for business, augmented reality is now used in everything from virtual classrooms to simulated boardrooms. Military endeavors are another area where this concept has been very popular and include everything from headsets worn by soldiers to GPS systems used by pilots.
The possibilities of augmented reality are endless. It is already being used in many aspects of modern day life. For instance, Google Maps is a great example. This online map service uses a combination of computer-generated imagery and high resolution photographs to display information about locations. With the addition of maps and satellite imagery, it becomes possible to walk in real space, rather than just viewing the digital representation on the screen of your computer screen.
In games, augmented reality allows for the integration of many different components. For example, you could play a first person shooter type game, but be able to “sense” the environment, hear the conversations around you and also be able to touch the bullets that are being fired. Augmented reality software has even been used to give a more lifelike experience to video gamers. The playing experience becomes more lifelike because the player is actually inside the game, and the game engine is calling up and firing the appropriate weapon at the right time.
Although there are still some problems with the physical presence of users in the augmented reality environment, there is a lot of potential for the future. In the near future, people may not have to carry around a handheld computer to be able to enjoy augmented reality. Instead, they will be able to enjoy the experience through their eyes. Computer-generated elements such as weather, landmarks and items in the real world will be superimposed over the digital world, which will make the entire experience more lifelike.
This new generation of technology is not unlike what we see with the popular augmented reality game, Pokemon. The Pokemon Company has created an entire game within the virtual world called ‘Pokemon Black and White.’ Users interact with the digital information in a very realistic manner, using their own camera to take pictures of ‘monsters’ and transfer them to their computer.
People who use augmented reality technology may find that they are not limited to the screen. For instance, a user might be navigating the street while looking up at the nearby scenery. Their camera might pick up the movement and produce a game-playing scenario that is based on the digital information available at that moment in time. By combining this with their own physical presence, augmented reality may give users an entirely new way to experience the world around them.
