1. Augmented Reality
Chris Baker
Comp 4640

2. What is Augmented Reality?
Augmented reality (AR) is a field of computer research which deals with the combination of real-world and computer-generated data.
Most of the AR research is currently concerned with the use of video imagery which is digitally processed and augmented by adding computer-generated graphics.

3. What is AR? (cont.)
Ronald Azuma defines an augmented reality system as one that:
Combines real and virtual world aspects
Is interactive in real-time
Is registered in three dimensions

4. Augmented vs. Virtual Reality
One of the identifying marks of a virtual reality system is the head mounted display worn by users.
These displays block out all the external world and present to the wearer a view that is under the complete control of the computer.
In Augmented Reality, the user must still be aware that he or she is present in the “real world.”

5. How does AR Work?
The basic idea of augmented reality is to superimpose graphics, audio and other sense enhancements over a real-world environment in real-time.
The graphics will then change to accommodate the user’s eye or head movements.
Simulated augmented reality medical image

6. What is needed?
There are three components needed in order to make an augmented-reality system work:
Head-mounted display
Tracking system
Mobile computing power

7. Current Uses of AR
Yellow first down line used on TV broadcasts of football games:
Real world elements: football field and players
Virtual element: the yellow line drawn over the image by computers in real-time

8. Current Uses of AR HUD (Head Up Display):
Used in commercial aircraft, automobiles, and other applications
Presents data without requiring the user to look away from his or her usual viewpoint

9. LifeClipper
LifeClipper is a wearable AR system being used in Switzerland.
When walking around a chosen culturally interesting area, the user will feel as though they are watching a film.

10. Wikitude – AR Travel Guide
Mobile travel guide for the Android platform (open source OS for cell phones).
Plan a trip or find about current surroundings in real-time.

11. Future of AR Military: Medical: Education:
The Office of Naval Research has sponsored AR research
AR system could provide troops with vital information about their surroundings.
Medical:
Superimpose an image from an MRI onto a patient’s body.
This might allow surgeons to pinpoint a tumor to remove.
Education:
Used in labs where students can learn more about the experiments they are participating in.

12. Future of AR
Gaming:
ARQuake is an AR version of the popular game Quake.
1st person shooter that allows the user to run around in the real world while playing a game in the computer generated world.
Uses GPS, a hybrid magnetic and interial orientation sensor, gun controller, and a standard laptop carried in a backpack.

13. Why continue research in AR?
AR systems will instantly recognize what someone is looking at, and retrieve and display the data related to that view.
There are hundreds of potential applications for such a technology, gaming and entertainment being the most obvious ones.
Any system that gives people instant information, requiring no research on their part, is bound to be a valuable to anyone in any field.