Augmented reality (AR) is a term for 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. It is related to a more general concept called mediated reality, in which a view of reality is modified (possibly even diminished rather than augmented) by a computer. As a result, the technology functions by enhancing one’s current perception of reality. 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.
Augmented Reality
Definition
Supplements the real world with virtual
(computer-generated) objects that appear to coexist in the same space as the real world.
AR offers an intuitive and natural means for people to navigate and work effectively in the real world -links real and virtual worlds.
Combines real and virtual objects in a real environment−Runs interactively, and in real time−Registers real and virtual objects with each other. In the research article Recent Advances in Augmented Reality [1]define augmented reality (AR) as systems with three characteristics:
1. Combine real and virtual objects in a real environment;
2. Runs and real time interactively
3. Registers in 3D
AR allows the user to be able to see the real world with virtual objects superimposed with the real world. Such technology may consist of a display device such as a mobile phone, PDA or a head-mounted display that shows the real physical environment on which it overlays digital information.