What is AR technology? Principle of operation and effective application

AR technology is increasingly developing strongly, allowing virtual information to be combined into the real world, creating realistic and vivid experiences. In the article below, 1C Vietnam will introduce AR in detail including its definition, operating principles and specific applications in a number of current fields.

1. What is AR technology?

AR (Augmented Reality) technology, also known as augmented virtual reality technology, is a combination of the real world and the virtual world. Specifically, AR combines virtual information into the real world, helping users interact with virtual objects in real environments.

Both AR and VR create virtual reality experiences, but AR incorporates virtual information into the real world, while VR creates a virtual world completely separate from reality. In addition, AR technology is commonly used on mobile devices, while VR is often used with specialized devices such as VR glasses. Here are some factors that help differentiate AR and VR:

2. Characteristics of AR virtual reality technology

AR technology is becoming increasingly popular with some of the following outstanding features:

• No need for specialized support devices: AR augmented reality can work on popular mobile devices such as smartphones, tablets,... Users only need to install the AR application to enjoy can experience this technology.
• Flexible use space: AR can be used in many different spaces, from indoors to outdoors, from narrow to large spaces.
• Does not require specialized hardware: Augmented virtual technology mainly uses software to process algorithms, so there is no need for specialized support devices such as VR.

3. Operating principle of AR technology

Augmented reality (AR) is a technology that allows users to see virtual objects integrated into the real world. AR is performed based on a two-stage analysis process:

• Phase 1: Collect and analyze images.

Through the camera, AR collects images from the real world. AR then uses an algorithm to separate the image into separate objects. Algorithms commonly used in this phase include:

• Determine the Interest Point.
• Fiducial Marker.
• Optical Flow.

• Phase 2: Simulate and insert virtual objects.

After decomposing the image, AR virtual reality will simulate the coordinate system of the real world. Next, AR will insert the virtual object into this coordinate system. The inserted virtual objects will have a corresponding position and orientation in the real world.

4. Applying AR technology in many fields today

AR has been widely applied in many fields, bringing great benefits:

• Entertainment field: AR technology brings new and interesting experiences to users. AR games combine the real world and virtual world, creating more attractive challenges and tasks. This technology is also used to create special effects for movies, TV shows,...
• Education and training field: AR helps improve the quality of teaching and learning. Teachers can use AR to create lively, engaging lessons, helping students easily absorb knowledge. Augmented virtual reality is also applied to simulate real-life experiments, helping students have real-life experiences right in the classroom.
• Medical field: AR is used to assist doctors during surgery, medical training, etc. This augmented reality technology helps doctors see important information and instructions intuitively, thereby improving the efficiency and accuracy of surgeries.
• Real estate field: Augmented virtual reality AR is used to create virtual models, helping customers have an overview of real estate projects and assisting in the selection process.
• Retail sector: augmented virtual reality helps customers have a more realistic and easier shopping experience. Customers can use AR to view product details, compare products with each other,...
• Media field: AR helps create special effects for media events. This provides an engaging, interactive experience that captures the audience's attention.

5. Challenges when applying AR in Vietnam

Although AR technology has been applied in practice, there are still challenges that need to be resolved. The first challenge is about hardware. AR devices, especially headsets, are currently still quite bulky, require connection to a computer or laptop and are expensive, making them difficult to access for many users.

The second challenge is about content. To create engaging AR experiences, high-quality 3D content is needed. However, developing 3D content is time-consuming and expensive, making it difficult for businesses to apply this technology. In addition, AR virtual reality technology can also cause some health problems, such as eye strain, nausea, dizziness,...

To overcome these challenges, AR technology researchers and developers are working to improve hardware and content to enhance user experience. When these challenges are resolved, AR will become a ubiquitous technology and have a profound impact on many areas of life.

AR technology is gradually becoming popular and being applied in many different fields. With outstanding advantages, AR promises to bring new and interesting experiences to users in the future. To continuously update the latest technology information, please continue to follow other articles on the 1C Vietnam website!