Seeing real unreal
The meaning of augmented reality (AR) can be derived from the name itself: a reality that is augmented (enriched) by some sort of digital media. The process takes place in real time. It is interactive. The computer-generated elements are tightly connected with fragments of objective physical reality and have some specific reactions to them.
The following figure provides a schematic presentation of AR:
For example, when a system recognizes some landmarks in the game scene, it shows a textual description, plays a video, or displays some sort of 3D content. This information is strongly connected to a specific object, marker, or location.
To interact with AR, special devices are needed such as a computer system with a mounted camera, and some additional sensors may be required. The most advanced example is a heavy, head-mounted display. Most of them are pretty expensive and not easy enough to use everyday, especially outdoors. Fortunately, there is another example, that is...
