What is augmented reality?

In simple terms, augmented reality is a type of technology that enhances a user's real-world view with an overlay of digital elements, such as text or images. The user can interact with the augmented view of their surroundings or other participants through gestures, voice, or touch inputs on screen. The unique characteristic of augmented reality is that when the user places images or text, they remain anchored to that position even if the user keeps moving around, retaining the realism of their experience.

While AR, VR, and MR sound similar, they are distinctly different technologies with varying levels of immersion. Augmented reality (AR) overlays digital elements onto the real-world view and virtual reality (VR) blocks out the real-world view with a computer-generated simulation, offering the maximum level of immersion. Mixed reality (MR) is an advanced form of AR, where users have more control over the digital elements placed in their environment and their interactions with the digital elements are much more sophisticated, involving voice and hand gestures.

What are the core components of AR technology?

AR requires both hardware and software for proper functioning and producing the best output possible. Let's take a look at the different hardware and software components that bring AR to life.

  • Hardware

    Like any other computer technology, AR needs a proper computer system with an input, processing, and output device to gather the information it needs, process it successfully, and display it to the user.

    Input devices

    Augmented reality (AR) is a technology that works on three datasets received from the user to enhance their real-world view: visual data of their environment, tracking data of their movement or position in that environment, and the user's interaction.

    • Cameras: Visual data is collected through the camera on smartphones, tablets, smart glasses, or rugged devices.
    • Sensors: Tracking data is gathered from various sensors such as LiDAR, accelerometers, gyroscopes, and magnetometers. They are used for motion tracking and to read depth distance or position. Additionally, GPS will come into the picture when a user's geographical location is needed for the AR experience.
    • Interaction: Depending on the user's device, their way of interaction will differ. In the case of smartphones and tablets, touchscreens are the mode of input, while gestures, eye tracking, voice commands, and controllers are more common in smart glasses.

    Processing units

    Once all the data is collected, processors like CPU and GPU will step in to calculate the user's position and movement in that environment and render the digital interactions done by the user. Neural processing units (NPUs) are required if the AR experience uses AI for object recognition or generating solutions.

    Output/Display devices

    The AR environment, along with the user's interactions as a digital overlay, are rendered and displayed on the screens of the smartphone, tablet, smart glasses or head-mounted displays (HMDs).

  • Software

    Augmented reality software is various components put together to bring in different aspects of AR that make the whole experience engaging and seamless. Based on the desired functionality, the components used will slightly differ.

    Development frameworks

    AR software development kits (SDKs) like ARCore and ARKit are the foundation of many AR apps in existence today. These frameworks have done all the time-consuming, heavy work of AR development like motion tracking, environment, and depth understanding, so that developers don't have to start from scratch.

    Algorithms

    The data processing stage involves the use of a series of algorithms like SLAM (simultaneous localization and mapping), VIO (visual-inertial odometry), and RANSAC for motion tracking, plane detection, surface reconstruction, and computer vision. AI and deep learning techniques are also included for context-aware AR with features like object recognition and occlusion handling.

    Content creation

    Depending on the industry or the target audience, all the digital elements that will be used in the AR-enhanced view are created as required. This includes 3D models, text, and other interactive elements such as pointers, arrows, or drawing tools.

    Storage facilities

    If the AR app allows users to record their AR experience or document important events during their interaction, it needs to integrate cloud and data services into their workflow in order to store those files. It also helps in syncing real-time data, enabling multi-user AR experiences, and creating knowledge resources for instant access.

    Interaction layer

    The interaction layer is something like the tip of an iceberg. What the user sees in an AR app is the interaction layer or commonly known as the user interface. Behind every interaction is powerful processing that the user cannot see and the appearance of digital elements on the user interface indicates its success.

How does augmented reality (AR) work?

Augmented reality (AR) works by using hardware and software in synchrony to deliver engaging and immersive experiences for users. Here's a step-by-step guide on how it works.

1. Data capture

Through the various input devices and sensors, AR gathers all the necessary data from the user like interactions, visuals of the user environment, position, and movement in relation to that environment.

2. Input processing and environment sensing

With the user's and visual data captured from cameras and sensors, the processing units run calculations using algorithms to sense and map the environment, and determine the user position and movement with respect to the mapped environment.

3. Tracking and computer vision (SLAM)

Continuous camera capture and input processing allows for real-time tracking of the user within the mapped environment, and develops computer vision through an algorithm called SLAM (simultaneous localization and mapping).

4. Object recognition and plane detection

Along with environment sensing, visual data of the environment is passed through a series of algorithms for object recognition and plane detection, enhancing spatial awareness and providing accurate overlays.

5. Rendering 3D objects and overlays

Once all the processing is done, the interactions are rendered with the digital elements created beforehand and overlaid onto the real-world view of the user.

6. Real-time interaction

Finally, the enhanced view is displayed to the user on the screen, which is now recognizable as an AR experience to them. They can interact with the digital elements or place new ones in real time and visualize their environment in a different light.

What are the major types of AR?

Based on how an augmented reality experience is activated or initiated, it is broadly classified into two categories: marker-based AR and marker-less AR.

  • Marker-based AR

    In marker-based AR, a specific image is assigned as a marker and the desired digital content is anchored to that marker. The marker can be any image like an illustration, text or even a QR code. When the user scans that marker with a dedicated AR software, the AR experience is activated and the user can view it on their device. However, the scope of the AR experience itself is limited, where the user cannot get the AR view anywhere in their surroundings beyond that marker.

    Uses

    Marker-based AR is commonly used for promotional, educational, or entertainment purposes. These markers can be distributed to their target audience via posters, delivery packages, books, or CD covers.

  • Marker-less AR

    Marker-less AR is a more advanced type of AR and the one that is more commonly used in industrial setups. It doesn't need a marker to activate an AR experience. Instead, it is triggered by the user themselves at anytime or by certain parameters like GPS coordinates and visuals of real-world objects. It can display digital content anywhere in the user's environment, which is already mapped by the device's sensors and algorithms.

    There are four types of marker-less AR:

    • Location-based AR - This type of AR uses GPS coordinates to overlay digital elements onto the predefined location.
    • Projection-based AR - It uses projectors to overlay images or text onto real-world surfaces, allowing users to interact with the projected elements without special glasses.
    • Superimposition or overlay-based AR - This relies on object recognition and spatial mapping to enhance the placement accuracy of digital elements onto real-world objects.
    • User-defined AR- It gives users the freedom to place digital elements anywhere in their environment. It is mainly developed for end users to solve issues in domestic or industrial setups.

    Uses

    Some of the popular applications of marker-less AR are mobile games like Pokemon Go and Jurassic World Alive (location-based AR), image filters on Snapchat or Instagram (superimposition AR), virtual try-ons on online shopping apps like IKEA and Amazon (superimposition AR), and virtual remote assistance with apps like Zoho Lens (user-defined AR).

How AR tracking works

AR tracking works by understanding the real world through data captured from cameras and LiDAR sensors, using computer vision to map corners and surfaces and anchoring the digital elements onto mapped surfaces. At the same time, It maps the user's position and movement using the SLAM algorithm with the data from their device sensors such as gyroscopes and accelerometers so that even if the user moves around, the digital overlay remains stable throughout the AR experience.

How AR software works

AR software uses the same working principles of AR to provide a digitally-enhanced world view to the user.

  • Sensing the environment: Cameras and sensors in the user's device capture visuals of their environment and track their position or movement.
  • Processing and mapping: Using a series of algorithms, visual and tracking data are processed, allowing the AR software to map the user's environment.
  • Rendering and displaying digital content: Based on the user's input, the AR software renders their interactions as digital elements like text or images and displays them on the mapped environment exactly where the interaction was done.

How to provide remote assistance with AR software

AR remote assistance software like Zoho Lens enables a technician to connect with remote users via live camera assistance sessions and get live visuals of their surroundings. With the AR tools available in session, the technician can help the customer with any real-world issues they might be facing, like a malfunctioning household appliance or a setback in an installation process.

The technician's instructions and interactions are rendered as the digital overlay on the camera stream, which can be seen by other participants in the session. Once the technician resolves the customer's issue, they can end the session and move on to the next service request. Any snapshot or recording taken during the session can be accessed or downloaded at anytime in their organization portal.

Examples of AR technology

AR technology has proven to be a valuable asset to industrial enterprises for improving productivity, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing service delays significantly. Here are some of the industries that are actively adopting AR technology for their remote operations.

  • Manufacturing

    AR is used to help frontline workers sail through the assembly process with ease. They can resolve unforeseen equipment issues with instant help from remote maintenance crews and prevent major delays in the process. Learn more.

  • Construction

    Site workers can connect with inspection officials at anytime and show live visuals of the construction site, who can then identify defects, document the process, and relay instructions through the AR tools available in the session. Learn more.

  • Retail

    With AR software, shop owners can monitor their supply chain and inventory to ensure the quality of their products, train their staff in shopkeeping processes, and provide customer service swiftly from their desk. Learn more.

  • Warehousing

    Supervisors can use AR software to give spatial instructions to warehouse personnel regarding order picking, dispatch, and inventory. They can get expert help from specialists when they are facing issues with forklift or crane machinery and fix them instantly.Learn more.

  • Field service

    Technicians out and about in the field can cover more customers in a day with AR remote assistance software. They can skip the service visits and diagnose the issue remotely, provide step-by-step instructions, and capture any anomalies that need a closer look later.Learn more.

Future of AR technology

Advancements in AR technology will largely be in the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and internet of things (IoT) for predictive, proactive AR systems. Along with industrial AR, domestic consumption of AR is set to rise in the upcoming years with a gradual shift from handheld devices to wearables. Wearables like smart glasses or head bands will make AR experiences more immersive and encourage intuitive interaction like eye tracking, hand gestures, and motion detection. Combine that with AI and the possibilities are endless, ranging from smart interfaces to virtual tours.

Conclusion

Augmented reality is a technology that gives people an innovative method to interact with their environment. It helps them visualize 3D models in their immediate surroundings and get valuable insights during navigation or support. It works through a synchrony of hardware and software processes that captures inputs, processes information and displays the enhanced view to the user. Primary use cases of AR include brainstorming, problem-solving and collaborating with remote teams.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Augmented reality (AR) works by using hardware and software together to deliver engaging and immersive experiences for users. It gathers user data like interactions, visuals of their environment, and their position or movement through various input devices and sensors, processes them with a series of algorithms to map the environment and track the user's position, and then renders their interactions as a digital overlay. Finally, the enhanced view is displayed to the user on their screen, which is now recognizable as an AR experience to the user.

The only difference between marker-based AR and markerless AR is in how the AR experience is initiated for the user. In marker-based AR, the user needs a certain trigger, which is the marker, to view an AR experience. The experience is limited to the confines of the marker, which can be an image or a QR code. On the other hand, the user doesn't need any markers or triggers in markerless AR. They can view it anywhere in their environment, where the digital elements appear automatically on mapped surfaces, objects or locations.

Simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) is an algorithm that is instrumental in stabilizing an AR experience. It works on data from the user's device, mainly the camera and sensors, to locate their position in the environment and track their movement with respect to the mapped environment (objects, surfaces, or corners). Based on these calculations, the digital interactions of the user are anchored to the intended object or surface accurately.

AR apps use computer vision and machine learning to recognize objects. Computer vision captures visual input through the user's camera and machine learning techniques are used to analyze the visual input for distinguishing features and patterns. Based on the analysis, the object is matched up against a database and it is identified. Corresponding information of the object, like labeling of parts or a troubleshooting guide, is then overlaid on that object with the help of SLAM.

Artificial intelligence (AI) in AR uses machine learning and convolutional neural networks (CNN) to study objects and analyze patterns in depth. With the help of user-defined labels and classification libraries, AI classifies the object with the matching label and fetches relevant information such as labeling individuals parts or step-by-step instructions to fix an identified issue. This information is then displayed to the user in AR, where it is overlaid on the real-world view of the object.

Similar to smartphones, AR smart glasses capture visual data through camera and sensors. Instead of touch, user input can range from voice commands to gesture tracking. The AR-enhanced view is displayed on the glasses (either monocular or binocular, depending on the model used). AR smart glasses promote a seamless blend of the digital and physical worlds for smooth, hands-free operations.