Augmented Reality (AR): Definition, Types, & Examples

Augmented Reality (AR) is a technological breakthrough that combines real-time situations with digitally integrated computer content.

You might already be familiar with what AR is, as this technology has been widely used in glasses, games, social media filters, and much more. However, do you know what AR types that exist and how it works?

Let's discover what is Augmented Reality, how it operates, its components, various AR types, and some of the most common AR examples within this following article.

What is Augmented Reality (AR)?

Augmented Reality is a technology that connects the virtual world in the form of two or three-dimensional objects with the real world.

In essence, this technology can project virtual objects into real-world objects in real-time, making them appear as if they exist in the same location.

AR is increasingly being utilized by various business industries to visualize abstract concepts.

Whether in the fields of beauty, health, or the military, this technology has been proven to enhance user experience.

Difference Between AR and VR

Broadly speaking, the concepts of AR and VR are quite similar. Nevertheless, they have significant differences.

You can review the distinctions between AR and VR in several matrices below. 

How Does AR Work?

After understanding what AR is, you also need to learn how this technology works. The explanation of how AR works is as follows:

In general, Augmented Reality works by integrating virtual objects into the real world which can be viewed through specific devices, such as phones, cameras, special glasses, and so on.

Before projecting virtual objects, the first process underwent is real-time environmental detection. This process is carried out with the help of camera sensors, motion sensors, GPS, and other detectors.

Next, it will process data from these sensors to insert virtual objects. Typically, these virtual objects can be text, images, or even three-dimensional models that overlap with physical objects in the real-time environment.

AR also can continuously monitor the physical environment. Therefore, if the user moves or interacts with physical objects, it will dynamically adjust its position and appearance.

Augmented Reality Components

To maximize user experience through the integration of virtual objects, AR has various supporting components, including:

• Camera: It is the main component that records the situation in the surroundings so that AR can detect the presence of physical objects or understand their relative positions.
• Sensor: AR requires sensors to obtain additional data.
• Projector: Used to project virtual objects onto the surface of the physical environment to make them appear as an integral part of the real world.
• Reflector: In some types of AR, reflectors are used to direct light back to the user's eyes to create optical illusions that support the experience.
• Output Screen: This can be a phone screen, AR glasses, or direct projection onto the user's glasses lens.

AR Types

With the increasing breadth of technological knowledge, you can now come across various AR types based on their application methods, such as:

1. Markerless Augmented Reality 

Markerless AR is one of the widely used types, particularly in GPS technology. In this type of Augmented Reality, virtual objects can be integrated directly into specific physical locations without the need for specific markers. 

This means that this type relies more on sensor capabilities to detect and understand the surrounding environment. 

Map and navigation applications often use Markerless AR as it can provide a more intuitive user experience. Besides GPS, Markerless AR is also commonly used by some shopping applications that implement "try before you buy" features, typically applied to beauty or ready-to-wear fashion products.

2. Marker-Based Augmented Reality

This type is also known as image recognition. Generally, marker-based AR requires the assistance of specific visual objects for scanning. These visual objects usually resemble specific shapes, such as QR codes.

3. Projection-Based Augmented Reality

This type is implemented using a projector to display virtual objects on the surface of physical objects. Typically, it is used to clarify the visualization of digital objects in reality so that users don't have to view the objects on a specific device screen.

4. Superimposition-Based Augmented Reality

This type is often implemented in social media, making it one of the most frequently used types. 

Superimposition-based AR works by detecting facial patterns to integrate digital objects into them. 

This type can be widely found in social media filters that add accessories or even makeup to users' faces. 

With this capability, Superimposition-based AR is also used by businesses in the beauty industry, allowing their target audience to try out various cosmetic shades through social media filters before deciding to purchase the product.

Some AR Examples

In fact, several applications or games around you may already be incorporating this Augmented Reality. Find out more about some AR examples below:

• Face Filters: As previously explained, almost all social media applications now include face filter features based on this technology. With AR filters, users can add elements such as hats, glasses, or funny effects to their faces when taking pictures or recording videos.
• AR Games: Many mobile games have implemented AR technology to create a more immersive gaming experience (e.g. Pokemon GO).
• Virtual Furniture Tryouts: Some furniture businesses also incorporate this technology by providing virtual furniture tryout features. With this feature, users can see how a piece of furniture will look in their space before deciding to purchase it.
• Navigation Apps: Some navigation apps like Google Maps also use AR to display visual directions directly on the phone screen and guide users based on various aspects of the real world.
• Interactive Children's Books: Nowadays, you can find highly interactive children's books equipped with AR technology. For example, when a child points the phone camera at a book page, the characters in the book may then appear in 3D on the phone screen.

That was all the explanation of what is AR, how it works, its components, types, and some common examples of AR.

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