Augmented reality (AR), still in the development stage, is going to be a great future technology for mankind. It is nothing but the view of real world environment (with some viewing medium) with improved or enhanced elements, generated by computer imagery. In simpler terms, it makes addition of graphic information over the real world view. To superimpose computer generated imagery over the real world environment, this technology largely uses a display device, input device, GPS, MEMS sensors, and a computing processor.
The closest devices that comprise the required hardware for this technology are head-mounted device, projector device, and handheld device. Using any of these devices, the user is presented with the real-time graphical information as well as audio narrations of whatever he or she sees. This means that when the user changes his or her sight of view, he or she is provided with the updated information. This opens up a lot of possibilities for the user. For example, when a person visiting a new city, requiring finding a hotel or an ATM, he or she can simply need to see around through the augmented reality device to find the nearest hotel or ATM.
Another best example of this technology is its use in the air force by the pilots. Modern headgears that the pilots wear are based on augmented reality concept. The visor of the headgear provides the pilot with various vital information such as instructions, enemy locations, maps, trajectories, and even the details about the entire jet itself. This indeed facilitates tactical and strategic decision, increasing the success rate of the critical mission. Following the same suit, the internet giant Google Inc. is also working on consumer augmented reality headgear called Project Glass. Although, still in research and development stage, the recent prototype of the Project Glass has received tremendous positive reception. The theory behind Project Glass is that it will run on Google's Android operating system, and will scan the real world with a camera to provide all the required information on the glass itself.
Aside from Google's Project Glass, some auto manufacturers have also started to shown keen interest in the this technology. Car manufacturers like BMW, GM, and Volkswagen have even tested augmented reality windscreen that not only displays navigational routes, but also displays traffic information and details about the state of the car.
Augmented reality technology is cruising at a fast pace and at the same time people are also showing keen interest in the technology. Talented CG artists from around the world are also making their move to showcase what type of photorealistic 3D contents they can create for the augmented reality environment. This technology is developing, but soon it is going to be the future technology for all mankind.
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