Augmented reality (AR) is one of the technology trends that is increasingly popular with digital augmented overlay, which is a highly intuitive and interactive method of digital content such as audio, video , graphics and GPS in the real working environment through the camera. Currently, AR is created through applications on common smart devices such as phones, tablets, Hololens, etc. Little by little, this technology is finding new application areas to help. improve workflow, especially before the arrival of 5G.

Augmented reality is defined as an altered form of reality in which computer-generated content is superimposed on the user’s real-world view, allowing digital resources to be added. into our real environment. AR must also meet three basic characteristics:

•     Combination of real and virtual worlds.
•     Real-time interaction.
•     Real and virtual objects have a precise 3D presence.

However, there are different types of AR and we need to know their differences, as each will be better suited for a particular use despite sharing the same features. In the section below, Tech Town will explore with you the different augmented reality platforms and their effects.

AR is based on markers

Markers-based AR applications use target images to locate objects in a given space. These markers determine where the application will place the 3D digital content in the user’s field of view. Early-stage AR technology is based on markers.

In other words, these applications are linked to a specific physical image pattern marker in the real world environment to overlay the 3D virtual object on top of it. Therefore, the cameras must continuously scan the input and place a marker to recognize the image pattern in order to create a simulation of it. In case the camera is not focused correctly, the virtual object will not be displayed.

Therefore, a marker-based image recognition system requires several modules – such as camera, imaging, image processing and marker tracking – among others. All in all, it’s a simple and affordable system to implement filters in a custom application for specific pattern recognition through the camera.

An example of this type of augmented reality is used by Instagram and Snapchat through filters and games. Therefore, this type of AR has been introduced in our daily life as they are normal social activities.

AR has no markers

In contrast, non-marker-based AR allows virtual 3D objects to be positioned in a real-time visual environment by examining features contained in the data in real time. This type of AR relies on the hardware of any smartphone, be it a camera, GPS or accelerometer, while the AR software does its part.

With this model, there is no need for an object tracking system due to technological advancements of cameras, sensors and AI algorithms. Therefore, it works with the digital data collected by these sensors and is capable of recording a physical space in real time.

Basically, markerless analysis uses SLAM (simultaneous localisation and mapping) technology to scan the environment and generate appropriate maps to place virtual objects. SLAM unmarked image tracking scans the environment and creates a map of where virtual objects are located in 3D, even if the objects are not in the user’s field of view, do not move as the user moves transfer and the user does not have to scan for new images.

Therefore, this technology can detect objects or features in a scene without knowing the environment in advance, for example, it can identify walls or intersection points. This is a technology characterized by its association with visual effects such as combining computer graphics with real-world images.

The first systems to use this type of AR used the device’s location and hardware services to interact with the resources provided by the AR software in a way that determined the user’s position and orientation in space. time where they live.

Another feature of this type of AR is that the user can increase the average range of motion during the experience. Apple’s ARKit and Google’s ARCore SDK already offer AR “without a single marker” on smart devices. Currently, markerless AR is the preferred method of image recognition for applications using this technology.

From there, there are four types of non-marker-based AR:

Location-based AR

Location-based non-marking AR aims to incorporate 3D virtual objects in the physical space where the user is. Apparently, this technology uses the location and sensors of a smart device to locate the virtual object at the desired location or point of interest.

The best example of this type of AR is the mobile game Pokémon GO, which uses location-based, markerless AR that instantly brings the environment in front of the user’s eyes to life.

This type of AR links a virtual image to a specific location by reading data in real time using the camera, GPS, compass and accelerometer. Additionally, since it’s based on markerless AR, it doesn’t need image tracking to work, so it can predict a user’s approach to match data in real time with the user’s location.

In addition, this type of classification allows users the option of adding useful and interactive digital content to the geographic areas of interest, which greatly benefits travelers in a particular area by ways to help them understand the environment through 3D virtual objects or videos.

Projection-based AR

This methodology is used to deliver digital data in a static, projection-based AR that focuses on rendering virtual 3D objects in the user’s physical space.

Thus, this type of AR allows the user to move freely around the environment of a specific area where the stationary projector and the tracking camera are located. The main use of this technology is to create the illusion of an object’s depth, position and orientation by shining artificial light onto real flat surfaces.

For example, projection-based AR is suitable for simplifying complex tasks in business or industry, eliminating computers because commands can be placed in a given space. In addition, this technology can provide feedback to optimize digital identity processes for production cycles.

AR coating

Typically, this type of AR is used to replace the original view of an object with an updated virtual image of that object. Overlay AR provides multiple views of a target object with the option to display additional relevant information about that object.

Border-based AR

Basically, this type of technology through the use of special cameras, is used for the human eye to outline specific objects with contours to facilitate certain situations. For example, it can be used for car navigation systems to enable safe driving in low visibility situations.

Conclusion

Currently, the number of augmented reality applications is quite large and continues to grow, among these applications are surgical training in medical, custom cars to promote autonomous driving, can perform instant translations in schools, smart face scanners in military applications,…

However, the same type of augmented reality cannot be applied to many of the types of applications mentioned, as the needs of each sector are different. Basically, it divides into two main groups: marker-based AR and non-marker-based AR, the marker-based AR group is the most primitive version of this technology. In turn, in markerless AR there are 4 types: location-based AR, projection-based AR, overlay AR, and contour-based AR. Each AR style has an application and is based on a different technological principle as we have seen.

Hopefully the information Tech Town brings above will be useful for businesses. If your business is looking for a reputable AR VR application development company, a team of highly qualified engineers with reasonable costs, Tech Town is confident to become the right choice for your business.

Tech Town is a technology company from Vietnam, with representative offices in the United States, Japan, Canada, the Netherlands,… We provide AR & VR application development services for businesses, optimize content delivery with immersive technologies, enhance the performance of decentralized systems, enhance customer experience, and delight next-generation users. In more than 4 years of operation, Tech Town has become a reputable technology partner trusted by startups and enterprises from many countries around the world such as the US, Canada, the Netherlands, Japan, the UK and other countries. other developers.

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