Introduction
“Augmented reality (AR) is a live, direct or indirect, view of a physical, real-world environment whose elements are augmented (or supplemented) by computer-generated sensory input such as sound, video, graphics or GPS data.” – Wikipedia
Basically, Augmented Reality provides extra information over real-world object or place. For example, watch this video
Augmented Reality is a combination of two technologies:
- Computer Vision
- Computer Graphics (3D/2D)
Augmented Reality includes two processes:
- Identify Real-World Object or Place
- Display extra information. Information can be Simple Text,2D/3D Object, Animated Object, Touchable / clickable object,etc..
Process
Following illustration generalise the execution process of Augmented Reality Application. Process starts with camera input and ends with rendering virtual object on screen. Augmented Reality continuously looks for tracker/object in input frames as and when tracker finds, it will display virtual object on screen.
Popular Applications
Popular Business Domain
- Marketing
- Shopping
- Education
- Medical / Health
- Entertainment
- Publishing
Popular SDKs for Development
Metaio vs Vuforia
| Metaio | Vuforia | |
| Platform | ||
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| Web | Yes | No |
| Feature | ||
| GPS | Yes | No |
| IMU Sensors | Yes | No |
| Cloud Support | Yes | Yes |
| Content API | OpenGL, in-house 3d renderer | OpenGL only |
| Unity (3D) | Yes | Yes |
| Markers | ||
| ID Marker | Image | |
| Picture Marker | Cylinder | |
| Markerless | Text Recognition | |
| Markerless 3D | Frame Marker | |
| LLA Markers | Custom | |
| QR & Barcode | Virtual Button | |
| Non-Optical Tracking | ||
| GPS/ Inertial Sensors | No | |
| Dummy | No | |
| License | ||
| Type | Free + Commercial | Free + Cloud Service Charges |
