Augmented reality (AR) is a technology that adds digital information to our physical world. Real-world objects are essentially enhanced by perceptual information. Thus, augmented reality can add graphics, videos, and even sounds to an existing environment.
Augmented reality makes use of the following components:
Input devices and sensors
Camera, accelerometer, solid state compass, and GPS are some of the technologies that provide data regarding user environment, and send it to be processed.
Processor
The processor analyzes the transmitted data, and then synthesizes and positions the required augmentations.
Displays
AR systems can utilize either projection or reflection. Projectors allow the augmentations to be displayed on a real surface, while reflectors are used for visualizing virtual images.
Algorithms and software
To make augmented reality possible, all the components must be programmed properly and integrated seamlessly with each other. Input, processing, output, all these processes require good programs to drive them
Which devices can make AR work?
Although it seems like a futuristic technology, AR has already been in use for quite some time!
Mobile devices like smartphones and tablets are already equipped with most of the components required for an AR system, and thus are extremely useful for AR
Smart glasses and lenses provide a hands-free augmented reality experience
Certain devices like HUD (Heads-up display), which are designed just for augmented reality applications.