The term augmented reality is beside the term virtual reality more often to be found. For many people almost unnoticed, the augmented reality already is part of our everyday life. It is one of the key technologies for the future.Definition
Augmented reality is an extension of our perception of reality by additions of digital data in real time. This can affect all sense organs, but is usually associated with the expansion of visual reality needed. More information at wikipedia.
The first use of augmented reality systems took place in head-up-displays of jet pilots. Meanwhile this system is also installed in cars.
Head-up displays in a car and an airplane (source: car, airplane)
Applications in everyday life
A typical example is the free kick situation in soccer. The television adds a line and the distance to the goal. Line and distance are seen but aren’t part of the game - they are digitally added. In this example, it was just "augmented TV". If the spectators in the stadium would see the same effect you would call it augmented reality. Simple augmented reality applications can already be found in objects of everyday use. The tab Canyon from Hansa is just one example. The water jet is lit and changes the colour depending on the temperature from the cool blue in a hot red.
Hansacanyon by Hansa
Potential
The accumulation of reality with virtual information offers many possibilities. For example, fitters could see the next steps 1:1 to exactly pursue the construction building site, designers could work together on virtual objects, or it could make the so-called X-ray view possible. At the MIT a research for an augmented reality kitchen takes place. A projection at the fridge door shows what is in the fridge. Virtual recipes can be projected on the work space. Door handles on cupboards start to shine to find a needed item easier.
Challenges
The big difficulties are still very complex algorithms and large quantities of data which are required for such real-time applications.
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