Augmented And Virtual Reality
Augmented reality (AR) adds digital elements to a live view often by using the camera on a smartphone. There are various examples of augmented reality experiences like include Snap chat lenses and the game Pokémon Go.Augmented reality is the technology that expands our physical world, adding layers of digital information into it. Unlike Virtual Reality (VR), AR does not create whole artificial environments to replace real with a virtual one. AR appears in direct view of an existing environment and adds sounds, videos, and graphics to it.
A view of the physical real-world environment with superimposed computer-generated images, thus changing the perception of reality, is the AR apps typically connect digital animation to a special ‘marker’, or with the help of GPS in phones pinpoint the location. Augmentation is happening in real time and within the context of environment, for example, overlaying scores to a live feed sport events.
There are 4 types of augmented reality today:
- marker less AR
- marker-based AR
- projection-based AR
- superimposition-based AR
Virtual Reality:
Virtual reality (VR) is a complete immersion experience that shuts out the physical world. Using Virtual Reality devices such as HTC Vive, Oculus Rift or Google Cardboard, users can be transported into number of real-world and imagined environments such as in middle of a squawking penguin colony or even the back of a dragon.
The definition of virtual reality comes naturally, from the definitions for both ‘virtual’ and ‘reality’. The definition of virtual is near and reality is what we experience as human beings. So the term virtual reality basically means ‘near-reality’. This refers to a specific type of reality emulation.
Need of virtual reality:
The potential entertainment value is there. Immersive films and video games are good examples. The entertainment industry is a multi-billion dollar one and consumers are always keen.
There are a wide variety of applications for virtual reality:
- Architecture
- Sport
- Medicine
- The Arts
- Entertainment
Features of virtual reality systems:
There are many different types of virtual reality systems but they all share the same characteristics such as the ability to allow the person to view three-dimensional images. The images appear life-sized to the person.They change as the person moves around. Their environment which corresponds with the change in their field of vision. Aim is for a seamless join between the person’s head and eye movements and appropriate response, e.g. change in perception. This ensures that the virtual environment is both realistic and enjoyable.
