Introduction to Emerging Technology 2021

Chapter 5

Augmented Reality (AR)

Introduction
In the previous chapter, you learned about the basics of the Internet of things (IoT). In this
chapter, we will take a closer look at the overview of augmented reality, the difference between
virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR) and mixed reality (MR), architecture of AR
systems, and its application of AR systems such as in education, medicine, entertainment, etc.
are discussed.

5.1. Overview of augmented reality

The fundamental idea of AR is to combine, or mix, the view of the real environment with
additional, virtual content that is presented through computer graphics. Its convincing effect is
achieved by ensuring that the virtual content is aligned and registered with the real objects. As a
person moves in an environment and their perspective view of real objects changes, the virtual
content should also be presented from the same perspective

Augmented reality (AR) is a form of emerging technology that allows users to overlay computer-
generated content in the real world. AR refers to a live view of a physical real-world
environment whose elements are merged with augmented computer-generated images creating a
mixed reality. The augmentation is typically done in real-time and in semantic context with
environmental elements. By using the latest AR techniques and technologies, the information
about the surrounding real world becomes interactive and digitally usable. Through this
augmented vision, a user can digitally interact with and adjust information about their
surrounding environment

Augmented Reality (AR) as a real-time direct or indirect view of a physical real-world

environment that has been enhanced/augmented by adding virtual computer-generated
information to it

Augmented reality is the integration of digital information with the user's environment in real-
time. Unlike virtual reality, which creates a totally artificial environment, augmented reality uses

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the existing environment and overlays new information on top of it. A live direct or indirect view
of a physical, real-world environment whose elements are augmented by computer-generated
sensory input such as sound, video, graphics or GPS data.

5.2. Virtual reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR) vs Mixed reality (MR)
With constant development in computer vision and the exponential advancement of computer
processing power, virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR)
technology is becoming more and more prominent. With some overlap in the applications and
functions of these emerging technologies, sometimes these terms get confused or are used
incorrectly. The main differences between them are explained below (see Figure 5.1).

Figure 5.1 Paul Milgram's Reality-Virtuality (RV) Continuum

5.2.1. Virtual Reality (VR)

VR is fully immersive, which tricks your senses into thinking you’re in a different environment
or world apart from the real world. Using a head-mounted display (HMD) or headset, you’ll
experience a computer-generated world of imagery and sounds in which you can manipulate
objects and move around using haptic controllers while tethered to a console or PC. It is also
called a computer-simulated reality. It refers to computer technologies using reality headsets to
generate realistic sounds, images and other sensations that replicate a real environment or create
an imaginary world. Advanced VR environment will engage all five senses (taste, sight, smell,
touch, sound), but it is important to say that this is not always possible (See Figure 5.2).

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Using VR devices such as HTC Vive, Oculus Rift or Google Cardboard, users can be transported
into a number of real-world and imagined environments. The most advanced VR experiences
even provide freedom of movement – users can move in a digital environment and hear sounds.
Moreover, special hand controllers can be used to enhance VR experiences.

Most VR headsets are connected to a computer (Oculus Rift) or a gaming console (PlayStation
VR) but there are standalone devices (Google Cardboard is among the most popular) as well.
Most standalone VR headsets work in combination with smartphones – you insert a smartphone,
wear a headset, and immerse in the virtual reality (see Figure 5.3).

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5.2.2. Augmented Reality (AR)

In augmented reality, users see and interact with the real world while digital content is added to
it. If you own a modern smartphone, you can easily download an AR app and try this technology

There’s a different way to experience augmented reality, though – with special AR headsets,
such as Google Glass, where digital content is displayed on a tiny screen in front of a user’s eye.

AR adds digital elements to a live view often by using the camera on a smartphone. Examples of
augmented reality experiences include Snapchat lenses and the game Pokemon Go. 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 (see Figure 5.4).

5.2.3. Mixed Reality (MR)

Mixed Reality (MR), sometimes referred to as hybrid reality, is the merging of real and virtual
worlds to produce new environments and visualizations where physical and digital objects co-
exist and interact in real-time. It means placing new imagery within a real space in such a way
that the new imagery is able to interact, to an extent, with what is real in the physical world we
know (see Figure 5.5 and Figure 5.6).

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For example, with MR, you can play a virtual video game, grab your real-world water bottle, and
smack an imaginary character from the game with the bottle. Imagination and reality have never
been so intermingled.

The key characteristic of MR is that the synthetic content and the real-world content are able to
react to each other in real-time.

In mixed reality, you interact with and manipulate both physical and virtual items and
environments, using next-generation sensing and imaging technologies. MR allows you to see
and immerse yourself in the world around you even as you interact with a virtual environment
using your own hands—all without ever removing your headset.

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Figure 5.6 Mixed Reality in Entertainment

It provides the ability to have one foot (or hand) in the real world, and the other in an imaginary
place, breaking down basic concepts between real and imaginary, offering an experience that can
change the way you game and work today.

One of the most obvious differences among augmented reality, virtual reality, and mixed reality
is the hardware requirements and also VR is content which is 100% digital and can be enjoyed in
a fully immersive environment, AR overlays digital content on top of the real-world. and MR is a
digital overlay that allows interactive virtual elements to integrate and interact with the real-
world environment. Numerous augmented reality apps and games can run on almost every
smartphone on the market.

On the other hand, virtual reality programs require specialized VR headsets, noise-canceling
headphones, cameras to track room space and boundaries, and sometimes even motion capture
technology. Some of the biggest names in VR tech today are the Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, and
PlayStation VR. For the enjoyment of simple VR videos, there are affordable makeshift VR
headsets like the Google Cardboard, which work by running a video in 360 modes on your
smartphone and inserting the phone into the headset.

Mixed reality hardware is still emerging and hasn’t quite broken into the mainstream consumer
market, most likely due to the price. The consumer releases of the Microsoft HoloLens and
Magic Leap One retail for over $2000 USD, which is 3 to 4 times the cost of the PlayStation VR
and HTC Vive VR headsets. However, mixed reality applications sometimes require
exponentially more processing power and thus require more powerful hardware.

For example, the Microsoft HoloLens includes a built-in microphone array, binaural sound
capabilities, a built-in camera for recording, a depth sensor, head-tracking cameras, and an
inertial measurement unit which helps track your head movement. On top of the traditional CPU
and GPU, Microsoft also created a Holographic Processing Unit to help track where the user is
looking and understand command gestures.

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5.3. The architecture of AR Systems

The first Augmented Reality Systems (ARS) were usually designed with a basis on three main
blocks, as is illustrated in Figure 5.7: (1) Infrastructure Tracker Unit, (2) Processing Unit, and (3)
Visual Unit. The Infrastructure Tracker Unit was responsible for collecting data from the real
world, sending them to the Processing Unit, which mixed the virtual content with the real content
and sent the result to the Video Out module of the Visual Unit. Some designs used a Video In, to
acquire required data for the Infrastructure Tracker Unit.

The Visual Unit can be classified into two types of system, depending on the followed
visualization technology:

1. Video see-through: It uses a Head-Mounted Display (HMD) that employs a video-mixing

and displays the merged images on a closed-view HMD.
2. Optical see-through: It uses an HMD that employs optical combiners to merge the images
within an open-view HMD.

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HMDs are currently the dominant display technology in the AR field. However, they lack in
several aspects, such as ergonomics, high prices and relatively low mobility due to their sizes
and connectivity features. An additional problem involving HMD is the interaction with the real
environment, which places virtual interactive zones to the user, making the collision with these
zones hard due to the difficulty to interact with multiple points in different depths. Alternative
approaches to developing ARS involve the use of monitors and tablets. Monitors are used as an
option for indirect view since the user does not look directly into the mixed world. Tablets are
used in direct view since the user points the camera to the scene and looks directly into the mixed
world. Both approaches still have difficulties in getting a collision.

5.4. Applications of AR Systems

Technology is ever-changing and ever-growing. One of the newest developing technologies is
augmented reality (AR), which can be applied to many different disciplines such as education,
medicine, entertainment, military, etc. Let us see some of its applications.

5.4.1. AR In education
Augmented reality allows flexibility in use that is attractive to education. AR technology can be
utilized through a variety of mediums including desktops, mobile devices, and smartphones. The
technology is portable and adaptable to a variety of scenarios. AR can be used to enhance
content and instruction within the traditional classroom, supplement instruction in the special
education classroom, extend content into the world outside the classroom, and be combined with
other technologies to enrich their individual applications. More importantly, the following
reasons for using augmented reality in education:

Affordable learning materials - posters, digital illustrations, physical models, prototypes

are very expensive and it’s impossible for schools to find enough money to purchase all
the supplementary materials they would like to. Using AR technology allows for
avoiding investments in physical materials. Besides, students can get access to learning
materials and interact with them anytime.
Interactive lessons - when AR technology is used in classrooms, students can view
models on their own smartphones and get a better idea of the concepts they are studying.
That increases engagements and reinforces the learning.

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Higher engagement - when teachers integrate augmented reality into their lectures, they
attract the attention of their students and make lessons more effective. When students are
interested, it is much easier to make them work more productively.
Higher retention - using the AR app, students can get access to augmented models that
represent any real objects from a famous monument or work of art to a molecule.
Besides, students can get access to a website with specific information. When learning
with AR technology, students use different senses and retain more knowledge for a long
time.
Boost intellectual curiosity - augmented reality makes students more excited about
learning certain subjects. Modern students were born in a digital era so they will always
be excited with innovative technologies that can help them learn new ideas and develop
their critical thinking skills.

When using AR technology in the classroom, teachers can create an authentic learning environment
for students with different learning styles.

5.4.2. AR In Medicine
Augmented reality is one of the current technologies changing all industries, including healthcare
and medical education.
The purpose of any invention and technology is to simplify our life. Augmented reality has the
potential to play a big role in improving the healthcare industry. Only a few years since the first
implementations of augmented reality in medicine, it has already filled an important place in
doctors’ and nurses’ routine, as well as patients’ lives.
This new technology is enhancing medicine and healthcare towards more safety and efficiency.
For now, augmented reality has already made significant changes in the following medical areas:
surgery (minimally invasive surgery);
education of future doctors;
diagnostics;
AR tools may also aid to detect the signs of depression and other mental illnesses by
reading from facial expressions, voice tones, and physical gestures.

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In medicine, AR has the following applications:
1. Describing symptoms - Have you ever been in a situation when it was hard to describe to the
doctor what was bothering you? It is a common problem for all us, the roots of which extend
to overreacting and lack of knowledge. And what is most important, it impacts on finding out
the accurate diagnosis. The first steps to find the solutions are already made. To increase
patients’ education, medical app AyeDecide is using augmented reality to show the
simulation of the vision, harmed by the different diseases. It helps patients to understand their
conditions and describe correctly their symptoms.
2. Nursing care - About 40% of the first intravenous injections fail, and this ratio is even higher
in the case of children and elderly patients. The AccuVein uses augmented reality to cope
with this negative statistic. A handheld scanner projects on the skin and shows the patients’
veins. It increases the successful finding of the vein from the first try in 3,5 times. That is
why this invention got the greatest recognition among the general public and medical staff.
3. Surgery - In no sphere augmented reality does not have such practical application as in the
medicine, especially in surgery, where it literally helps to save lives. Three-dimensional
reconstructions of organs or tumors will help surgeons become more efficient at surgery
operations. For example, spinal surgery, as usually, is a long and difficult process. But with
the use of AR, it can reduce the time, cut the risks and improve the results. The Israeli startup
Augmedics had created an augmented reality headset for spine surgeons. This technology
overlays a 3D model of the CT-scan on the spine, so, the surgeon gets some kind of “X-ray”
vision.
4. Ultrasounds - Some time ago ultrasound made a small revolution in medicine. Today, it has
another one chance to make the same with using augmented reality. Already a few AR
software companies developed handy ultrasound scanner, which with the help of smart
glasses works as a traditional one. It is hard to overestimate the usefulness of this technology.
Especially when we talk about using it in the developing countries, in military medicine (on
the battlefields) and even in the ambulance.
5. Diabetes management - In 2017, the number of people struggle with diabetes reached up to
425 million adults worldwide. And the amount of diagnosed people is increasing every year.
In 2014, Google revealed the plans for creating a smart contact lens (Google Contact Lens),
in which the main function will be to measure the glucose levels in the tears. It will help

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people with this disease to live the life they used to, without permanent worries about sugar
level in the blood.
6. Navigation - The using AR in navigation apps has already become a “traditional” way. By
pointing your phone to the city landscape, you get the information about nearby objects of
your interest (museums, hotels, shops, metro stations, etc.). The same way AR can be useful
to provide information about the nearest hospitals. For example, the EHBO app helps to find
the nearest to you AEDs (automated external defibrillators).
Generally, AR provides the following benefits to patients and healthcare workers:
Reduce the risks associated with minimally invasive surgery.

Better informed decisions about the right treatment and illness prevention.

Make procedures more tolerable.

Better aftercare

Medical training and education.

Assistance in medical procedures and routine tasks.

5.4.3. AR In Entertainment
Augmented reality can be used in various “entertainment” industries as entertainment covers
quite a number of different industries – music, movies, live shows, games – and all of them can
benefit from using augmented reality

AR in games - the AR games were praised for increasing physical activity in people –
you actually have to move around to find your target, for example, Pokémon. At the same
time, there are complaints that players could cause various incidents and accidents being
too engrossed in the game. In any case, Pokémon GO has rightfully earned its popularity
and opened the world of AR games to us.

AR in music - music is not only about listening to favorite tracks and putting together
playlists. When we like a piece, we often want to find out more about its background: the
performers’ bios, the lyrics of the song, the making of the recording or the music video.

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Augmented reality can do all that and much more providing complete information on the
track or its performer. Augmented reality can enhance live performances by illustrating
the story told by a track or displaying the way it was created by the band.

AR on TV - this may seem a bit far-fetched, as television already shows a virtual world,
thus adding augmented reality will raise it to the second power. However, some
experiments of fusing augmented reality on TV are already being made with the promise
of future enhancements. One way of integrating augmented reality in television is adding
supplementary information to what is going on the TV screen – such as match scores,
betting options, and the like.

AR in eSports - recently, the industry of eSports has been gaining popularity in all parts
of the globe. Competitive online gaming has become as fascinating as real sports, and the
technology is following it closely with new solutions and unusual implementations.
Augmented reality turns eSports shows into interactive experiences allowing the watchers
to become participants.
AR in the theater - in this sector, augmented reality can serve not only for entertainment
purposes but also for the purposes of accessibility. The possibility to overlay virtual
objects over the real environment can be used, for example, for subtitling in various
theater shows. Now, many theaters use LED displays either to provide subtitles for
translation or to assist hearing-impaired visitors. However, LED equipment is not
available in each theater and even when it is, it can distract the viewers from the show.

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