AUGMENTED REALITY

Augmented reality is the name for a view of a physical, real-world environment whose elements are augmented by computer-generated sensory input such as sound, video, graphics or GPS data. Simplified, its like a view of reality which is modified by a computer. By contrast, virtual reality replaces the real world with a simulated one.

Augmentation is conventionally in real-time and in semantic context with environmental elements, such as sports scores on TV during a match. With the help of advanced AR technology (e.g. adding computer vision and object recognition) the information about the surrounding real world of the user becomes interactive and digitally manipulable. Artificial information about the environment and its objects can be overlaid on the real world.

A short film showing an example of how industry can use augmented reality. Nissan had an interaction event at the o2 earlier this year. Myself and my Son interacted with games and technology to feel what it was like to drive the car, design and modify it and look at the energy consumption of the car.

This ia a film showing a view of some uses for Augmented Reality for advertising, gaming, industry and childrens books.

Even Lego is using the technology to show their customers how the built model will look when finished. This example shows how it is possible to enhance product information. This idea possibly could be advanced to internet shopping? Customers would be able to see true dimensions and sizes etc.