Two Giants Among Different Type of Augmented Reality | By Octagon Studio
Along with the expansion of smartphones, Augmented Reality gains recognition as an inseparable sidekick to smartphones. This hatches the assumption which states that Augmented Reality is limited only to smartphones. Having been integrated with various fields and industries seems to be a reasonable counterargument to the aforementioned assumption. By having numerous possibilities of utilization, different types of Augmented Reality have inevitably emerged to engage with different kinds of necessities. Therefore, various types of functions and applications for Augmented Reality are essentially an ocean of possibilities to be explored and one which allows us to dive deeper to the world of Augmented Reality. Two different types of Augmented Reality are as follows.
show image : https://blog.octagonstudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Octagon-Studio-Different-Types-of-Augmented-Reality-2.jpg
- MOBILE DEVICE BASED AUGMENTED REALITY
Among different types of Augmented Reality, this type of AR has garnered most public recognition since it provides global users with affordable platforms and products. Since the AR technology is applied on mobile device, the forms of products range from software to affordable hardware extension kits such as flashcards, T-shirt, and many more. However, mobile device based AR is also further distinguished into subcategories.
MARKER BASED AUGMENTED REALITY
It is probably the most recognized device based Augmented Reality type which has enjoyed widespread use in many forms of product on the market. How does it work? Marker based Augmented Reality allows the digital contents in its various forms to materialize in the environment through a process called ?scanning? with the aid of your smartphone or tablets. The contents are concealed within a component called ?markers,? which are often embedded in print media ranging from cards to t-shirts which serve as code. During scanning, the corresponding app reads and identifies the information or codes on markers, and the contents hidden within the markers are uncovered; seemingly possessing physical forms and presence within the real world.
The output of this technology is also divided into various digital contents ranging from texts to 3D animations that adjust to our real world. Therefore, this type of AR tend to be used as visual enhancers which can very well be beneficial for activities that include presentation and observation. Naturally, recognition based AR has emerged as tools for education, business, and eCommerce. Octagon Studio?s 4D flashcards series are examples of marker based AR which can be used for both education and entertainment.
POSITION BASED AUGMENTED REALITY
The modest way to ease confusion regarding the different types of Augmented Reality is by presenting examples. For this particular type of AR, which is location based AR, Pokemon Go! is the perfect example. By embedding hidden contents and spreading them throughout the world, Pokemon Go! utilizes the entire globe as AR marker, but the AR contents will appear only when it is scanned in certain locations. The ?marker? embodies in form of coordinate points at certain locations around the world. Instead of scanning concrete markers, this type AR will be activated when the programs on the apps detect coordinate point embedded with AR contents.
MARKERLESS AUGMENTED REALITY
As its term suggests, markerless AR works without having to scan any coded marker. Instead, markerless AR uses graphic to activate the corresponding 3D contents within the platform which may be overlaid straight into a scene and then keep it to a ?locked? position. In simple words, the user is allowed to add virtual contents into objects which have been captured trough the camera. This type of AR can be seen on following videos.
2.WEARABLE AUGMENTED REALITY
As has been discussed on prior post, wearable AR integrates with anything wearable on human bodies such as glasses, clothing, and bracelet. However, the most recognized product for this section is head-mounted display AR which is confused with Virtual Reality headset. The key difference between AR headset and VR headset lays on their ability on providing visuals enhancement. VR headset tends to totally block our real world presence and replace it with virtual contents. Whereas AR headset allows user to visualize real environment and then enhance it with virtual contents. In other words, VR headset provides user with total experience as they are entering different worlds, while AR headset enables user to blend the real world with virtual contents in real time.
