Unveiling the Power of Augmented Reality: 4 Types You Need to Know About
Augmented Reality (AR) technology has come a long way since its inception, with various industries now adopting it to enrich their operations. According to Statista, the global AR market size is expected to reach $61.4 billion by 2023, and this growth is driven by the increasing adoption of AR in the gaming, healthcare, and retail industries.
In this article, we’ll dive into four types of AR that you need to know about, and the benefits they offer.
Type 1: Marker-Based AR
Marker-based AR involves the use of a camera and a printed marker, which is recognized by the software to generate an object or image in augmented space. This type of AR can be found in many applications, including educational tools, navigation, and gaming.
One example is the Ikea Place app, which lets you preview furniture in your home before making a purchase. This app uses marker-based AR to measure the size of the room and place furniture in it.
Type 2: Markerless AR
Markerless AR, also known as location-based AR, scans the surrounding environment and projects digital content onto it. This type of AR is commonly used in mobile gaming and social media filters.
Snapchat, for instance, uses markerless AR to create fun filters that users can apply to their pictures or videos. Another example is Pokemon Go, which allows players to chase after virtual characters overlaid onto real-life scenery using the camera on their mobile devices.
Type 3: Projection-Based AR
Projection-based AR involves projecting digital images or videos onto real-world surfaces such as walls and buildings. This type of AR is popular in the advertising and entertainment sectors.
An example of projection-based AR is the “Let It Go” show at Disneyland, where the castle was transformed into a virtual ice palace using projection AR to bring the Frozen story to life.
Type 4: Superimposition-Based AR
Superimposition-based AR uses object recognition technology to replace or augment real-world objects with digital content. This type of AR is commonly found in virtual try-on applications in the beauty and fashion industries.
One example is the Sephora Virtual Artist app, where users can try on makeup virtually before purchasing them.
Conclusion
As AR technology continues to evolve, it’s essential to understand the different types and their applications. Marker-based, markerless, projection-based, and superimposition-based AR have opened up new avenues for businesses to engage with their customers and for individuals to experience new forms of entertainment and education.
In conclusion, by embracing AR, businesses can create interactive and immersive experiences that tap into their customers’ curiosity and fascination with the digital world.
