Exploring Augmented and Virtual Reality
What is Augmented Reality?
Augmented Reality (AR) is an interactive experience of a real-world environment where objects in the real world are enhanced by computer-generated perceptual information. Augmented Reality can be defined as a system that fulfils three basic features: a combination of real and virtual worlds, real-time interaction, and accurate 3D registration of virtual and real objects.
What is Virtual Reality?
Virtual Reality (VR) is a computer-generated simulation experience that can be similar to, or completely different from the real world. Virtual Reality is fully immersive, allowing the user to explore and interact with a three-dimensional world as if there were there. Applications of Virtual Reality can include entertainment and educational purposes.
Extended reality (XR) is the term used to refer to all real-and-virtual combined environments and human-machine interactions generated by computer technology and wearables.
The Technology behind Augmented and Virtual Reality
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Augmented RealityModern smartphones and tablets contain camera and microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) sensors such as an accelerometers, GPS, and solid-state compasses, making them suitable AR platforms. Custom AR headsets such as Microsoft Hololens and Magic Leap are recommended for an optimal experience.
A key measure of AR systems is how realistically they integrate augmentations with the real world. The software must derive real-world coordinates, independent of camera, and camera images. That process is called image registration and uses different methods of computer vision, mostly related to video tracking. -
Virtual RealityVirtual Reality can be experienced using smartphones combined with a lightweight headset (ex. Google Cardboard) but for the best experiences, a headset powered by a computer is recommended (ex. Oculus or PS4 VR).
The Virtual Reality Modelling Language (VRML) was intended for the development of "virtual worlds" without dependency on headsets. Nowadays, VRML needs frameworks and headsets such as Unity or Unreal to build experiences.
Use Cases
Augmented and Virtual Reality isn't limited to just entertainment - Version 1 are exploring ways the technology can be applied in real use cases for enterprises.
Data Visualisation
Remote Assistance
Training
Retail
Education
Using AR and VR to Visualise Data
Version 1 is proud to announce a joint initiative between DAE Capital and the Innovation Labs, in which the Innovation Labs will investigate new and intrusive ways of visualising and exploring their data in a more interactive manner using Extended Reality technology.
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Interested in AR and VR? Talk to the Innovation Labs
