Augmented Reality Showreel 2012 by Total Immersion

What is Augmented Reality?




Augmented reality (AR) is the integration of digital information with live video or the user's environment in real time.

If talking academic and technical, Augmented Reality can be explained as the generation of a composite view for the user that is the combination, in real time, of a virtual scene viewed by the user, via a camera for example, and a virtual scene generated by the computer, therefore augmenting the scene with additional information.

4 Different Types of Augmented Reality

Black & White Markers: The detection of interest points is here done through black & white fiducial markers. Most of the time, the applications using markers are based on open source technology. It has the advantage to be easily affordable but it is not supported, nor fully secured and fairly weak. It is usually implemented in small non-commercial projects. Total Immersion supports this technology without having the disadvantages of open source software.

Marker Less Tracking (MLT): This is currently one of the best technology for tracking and the one chosen by Total Immersion to integrate their software suite. It performs active tracking and recognition of real environment on any type of support (visuals, objects, faces, movement) without using special placed markers. It is more powerful and allows the performing of more complex applications of Augmented Reality. This new technology is operational on stationary, web or mobile devices. Total Immersion is continuously developing MLT, for instance with the latest depth cameras (with sensors able to measure the depth for each of the captured pixels).

Sensor based Technology: Sensor tags along with immersive Augmented Reality can provide a better end user experience. Sensors are used in locations where MLT are less operational (e.g.: due to lack of light). They send a signal to a receiver within range and are able to curate information pertinent to the individual instead of everything around thanks to powerful filters.

GPS and Compass Technology: Mainly found on smartphones and tablets, this type of applications takes advantage of the devices' GPS and compass features with access to high-speed wireless networks. Still fairly imprecise due to current inaccuracy of the GPS technology, its main attraction lays to provide useful local web-content information and added services in 2D format at the geolocation of the user. Total Immersion is specialised in image recognition and analysis (known as Computer Vision). This is where the Company has invested most of its R&D efforts, with several patents already filled in.