How Augmented Reality Works: A Little Reminder on How the Emerging Technology does its Magic | By Octagon Studio
HOW AUGMENTED REALITY WORKS
Augmented Reality (AR) is quite possibly one of the most exciting new technologies of the current years as it consistently gains more and more mainstream recognition due to its rising prevalence in multiple industries and fields, such as architecture, game, design, entertainment and even education. However, despite its rising popularity, many AR enthusiasts are still struggling to understand the technology’s underlying concept and often confuse some of its properties with those of a similar but quite different technology, namely; Virtual Reality (VR). Essentially, the understanding of how augmented reality works continues to elude most of the time.
WHAT IS AUGMENTED REALITY?
of what AR actually is. Essentially, AR is a technology which enhances the user’s reality by superimposing digital information in the forms of images, videos and 3D objects. This additional layer of digital information is imposed and displayed through the use of a visual output display, which is often in the form of a smartphone or similar devices. As a result, the user’s immediate environment is augmented and enhanced.
HOW AUGMENTED REALITY WORKS
AR technology allows the aforementioned digital information in its various forms to materialize in the environment, captured by the camera’s lenses, and finally, observable through the screen of the user’s smartphone. For the most part, these digital contents are hidden within a component called ‘markers,’ which can be embedded in anything ranging from print media to t-shirts. Upon scanning, the corresponding app reads and identifies these digital data, and the contents hidden within the markers are uncovered; seemingly possessing physical forms and presence within the real world. Some content or app may require the marker to remain within view of the camera, while others may not even have the need for markers altogether.
Today, as smartphones are getting more and more powerful, the growing presence of AR in our everyday lives is indicated through the use of various innovative apps, programs and games. In light of its incredible momentum during the past few years, it’s safe to assume that AR is one technology which will continue to evolve and grow far into the foreseeable future. Hence, understanding the principles of how augmented reality works may very well turn out to be highly beneficial.
