What is Augmented Reality?
Augmented reality (AR) is 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 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.
--from Wikipedia
For a survey of Augmented Reality technologies see:
van Krevelen, D.W.F. & Poelman, R. (2010). A survey of augmented reality technologies, applications and limitations, The international journal of virtual reality, 9(2):1-20. Retrieved March 31, 2013 from http://kjcomps.6te.net/upload/paper1%20.pdf
Example of Augmented Reality Project by team member, Meredith Drum:
Augmented reality (AR) is 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 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.
--from Wikipedia
For a survey of Augmented Reality technologies see:
van Krevelen, D.W.F. & Poelman, R. (2010). A survey of augmented reality technologies, applications and limitations, The international journal of virtual reality, 9(2):1-20. Retrieved March 31, 2013 from http://kjcomps.6te.net/upload/paper1%20.pdf
Example of Augmented Reality Project by team member, Meredith Drum:
OYSTER CITY is an augmented reality, mobile media walking tour and game that guides participants along branching story paths through lower Manhattan. Produced collaboratively by Meredith Drum, Rachel Stevens and Phoenix Towes, the piece reveals urban ecological history with a focus on oysters. By tracing vectors between sites, players learn about relationships between the NY Harbor Estuary and its many human, animal and industrial inhabitants; how commerce and class ntersect with oysters as food; new ecological reclamation efforts aided by oyster beds; and other urban histories. Media assets are placed via GPS coordinates and activated by, and responsive to, participants.