All about Augmented Reality
What is Augmented Reality? Definition?
Augmented Reality is a technology that allows virtual elements (a fictional layer) to be integrated into the real environment. Previously a technology used only in certain sectors of health or industry, augmented reality has been democratised to the greatest number by filters on social networks. In order to use Augmented Reality technology, it is possible to use a computer, a phone, a tablet or Augmented Reality glasses.
The Difference between Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality? Why?
As mentioned earlier, augmented reality is a technology that allows a virtual layer to be integrated into the real environment. Virtual Reality, on the other hand, does not use the real environment to integrate elements, the world of people using augmented reality content will be totally transformed. Virtual Reality, unlike Augmented Reality, will only be usable with specific glasses, known as virtual reality glasses (such as Meta Quest).
The Birth of Augmented Reality? The Beginnings?
Augmented reality was born in the early 1980s thanks to the work of Sutherland who created this technology through a helmet followed by a motion sensor. It was first used in the military on fighter pilot visors in the 1980s.
Reality: the character of what is real, of what is not only a concept, but a thing, a fact.
Increased: to make greater, more considerable, by adding something of the same kind.
Augmented reality is the superimposition of virtual elements (2D or 3D) in a real environment. This technology has been around for more than 30 years but has really been democratised over the last 5 years.
Augmented Reality? media Tools?
LComputers broadcasting Augmented Reality
With their webcam, computers can broadcast Augmented Reality content, for example it is possible to stream on Twitch with Augmented Reality content, it is also possible to integrate Augmented Reality in video conferences.
Smartphones for Augmented Reality Content
Smartphones are currently the most widely used for Augmented Reality content. It is possible to create Web AR content (without hosting on a native application) but also augmented reality content on social networks, via filters.
The Glasses of Augmented Reality
Augmented Reality glasses allow you to have Augmented Reality content without having to take out your computer, or your Smartphone. Many companies and startups are designing glasses that will soon be available on the market.
How to use Augmented Reality? Use cases?
Augmented reality in the industry
Industry is a sector where precision is very important. This technology increases efficiency without disturbing or slowing down the process. This is exactly the case for Safran and the maintenance of its aircraft. Technicians have to respect standards and stay as close to zero risk as possible.
In order to optimise the safety of its aircraft, Safran has decided to use augmented reality for the maintenance of its aircraft wiring. Using a tablet, the technician projects the correct structure of the cables directly onto the cabled surface and can therefore quickly check or modify the cables without any doubts.
Augmented reality in the health
Surgery also requires great precision and composure and surgeons only have 2D documents and scans.
Far be it from us to criticise the experts in this field, who have our full recognition and respect, but a single surgical error can cost a patient's life. And that is why the precision in the movements of a scalpel can be helped by augmented reality.
One of the first uses of augmented reality is to display the inside of the body so that the doctor can accurately visualise the patient's abdominal area using this technology. This is a study that a doctor did in 2004 for his final thesis.
This experiment that this doctor has set up has given more than satisfactory results and according to him, "several clinical experiments on patients demonstrate that our system is usable in the operating room and suggest its routine use in the near future.
Augmented reality in the marketing
Marketing trends have changed dramatically over the last few years and digital has become an important part of brands' strategies.
All digital trends are exploited to reach a maximum of its target. But augmented reality is starting to take an increasingly important place in digital marketing and communication strategies. Since the release of Pokémon Go, a number of people have discovered the benefits of this technology and have started to exploit it.
In addition, social networks such as Snapchat and Instagram have highlighted the use of augmented reality through their filters. This has shown brands an alternative way to communicate on social networks without the need for ads or posts.