Graphics Reference
In-Depth Information
Fig. 7.2
Example of marker based augmentation
applications were PC-based and highly specialized, often using markers as shown in
Fig.
7.2
or expensive tracking systems from Virtual Reality.
The varied uses of Augmented Reality-in manufacturing, research and develop-
ment, medical, and mechanical operations as well as in entertainment were further
manifested later that decade. The first Augmented Reality software was invented in
Japan in the 2000s and combined virtual graphics with real-life imagery, using video
tracking to overlay computer graphics onto a video feed.
In 2005, Metaio [
22
] built the first commercial marker-less 3D tracking system
published at ISMAR 2006. In 2008, AR went mobile for the first time as documented
in the PhD dissertation of Daniel Wagner “Handheld Augmented Reality” [
4
]. In
2009, Augmented Reality Browsers emerged such as Wikitude [
23
], Layar [
21
] and
Junaio [
20
]. The first two browsers focused on location-based AR using 2D tracking
and Junaio featured location-based AR using both 2D and 3D tracking.
In recent years, Augmented Reality has become a playground for enthusiastic
developers from all over the world. The technology has emerged from the “test
phase” and is now a serious field with numerous applications across a wide variety
of industries. The wide variety of the latest camera form factors, screens, CPUs,
GPUs, and sensors sparked new innovations and a massive increase in data traffic
and usage. In 2011, Metaio [
6
] published “Gravity-Aware Handheld Augmented
Reality” [
12
] that used an inertial sensor for the first time to improve the performance
of 3D tracking. Today, AR is used in print, automotive manufacturing, trade fair
exhibitions, and in advertisement to name just a few applications of the technology.
Next, we discuss the various AR use cases in detail.
7.2 Augmented Reality Use Cases
AR use cases can be divided into two broad categories—micro and macro. Micro
covers the recognition and tracking of smaller rigid objects and superimposing small
areas around you with virtual content. Macro, on the other hand, deals with the
