12.5 Augmented and virtual reality
9 min read•august 21, 2024
Augmented and technologies are revolutionizing how we interact with digital content. By blending and image processing, AR overlays digital information onto the real world, while VR creates fully immersive virtual environments.
These technologies rely on advanced algorithms for spatial awareness, object recognition, and real-time rendering. From gaming and entertainment to education and healthcare, AR and VR are transforming various industries by offering new ways to visualize and interact with information.
Fundamentals of AR and VR
- (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) technologies transform visual perception and interaction in computer vision applications
- AR and VR leverage image processing techniques to create immersive digital experiences, enhancing or replacing real-world environments
- These technologies rely heavily on computer vision algorithms for spatial awareness, object recognition, and real-time rendering
Definition and distinctions
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- AR overlays digital content onto the real world, enhancing the user's perception of reality
- VR creates a fully immersive digital environment, replacing the user's entire visual field
- (MR) combines elements of both AR and VR, allowing digital objects to interact with the real world
- AR maintains a connection to the physical environment, while VR transports users to entirely virtual spaces
Historical development
- Ivan Sutherland created the first (HMD) in 1968, laying the foundation for VR
- Tom Caudell coined the term "Augmented Reality" in 1990 while working at Boeing
- The 1990s saw the development of early VR systems (CAVE, Virtual Boy)
- Smartphone proliferation in the 2000s accelerated AR development
- Modern AR/VR era began with Kickstarter in 2012, followed by and
Key components
- Display technology (HMDs, smartphones, projection systems)
- Tracking systems (optical, inertial, hybrid) for position and orientation
- Input devices (controllers, cameras, sensors) for user interaction
- Graphics processing units (GPUs) for real-time rendering
- Software development kits (SDKs) and engines (Unity, Unreal) for content creation
AR technologies
- AR integrates digital information with the user's environment in real-time
- Computer vision algorithms play a crucial role in AR by enabling accurate object recognition and tracking
- Image processing techniques enhance AR experiences by improving the quality and realism of overlaid content
Marker-based vs markerless AR
- uses predefined visual markers (QR codes, fiducial markers) for content triggering
- relies on natural feature tracking, enabling more seamless integration with the environment
- (SLAM) algorithms power markerless AR by creating 3D maps of surroundings
- Marker-based systems offer higher accuracy but limited flexibility compared to markerless solutions
Mobile AR applications
- Smartphone-based AR utilizes built-in cameras and sensors for widespread accessibility
- (iOS) and (Android) provide robust frameworks for mobile AR development
- apps (Pokémon GO) use GPS and compass data to place virtual content in real-world locations
- Social media filters (Snapchat, Instagram) employ facial recognition for real-time AR effects
AR displays and hardware
- Optical see-through displays (Microsoft HoloLens) use transparent screens to overlay digital content
- Video see-through displays (smartphone AR) combine camera feed with digital elements
- Spatial AR projects digital content directly onto physical objects or surfaces
- Retinal projection displays () beam images directly onto the user's retina
VR technologies
- Virtual Reality creates fully immersive digital environments, replacing the user's entire visual field
- Computer vision algorithms in VR focus on tracking user movements and mapping virtual spaces
- Image processing techniques in VR aim to reduce latency and enhance visual fidelity for improved immersion
Immersive environments
- captures real-world scenes for passive VR experiences
- Computer-generated environments offer interactive and dynamic virtual worlds
- techniques create highly detailed 3D models of real-world locations for VR exploration
- Volumetric capture technology enables the creation of 3D video for more immersive experiences
VR headsets and controllers
- ( Rift, HTC Vive) offer high-quality visuals but require connection to a powerful PC
- (Oculus Quest) provide wireless freedom with integrated processing
- Inside-out tracking systems use onboard cameras to track headset and controller positions
- Haptic controllers provide tactile feedback to enhance immersion and interactivity
Haptic feedback systems
- Force feedback devices simulate resistance and texture in virtual environments
- Vibrotactile actuators create localized sensations for more nuanced haptic experiences
- Exoskeletons and full-body suits enable whole-body haptic feedback for enhanced realism
- Ultrasonic haptics generate touchless tactile sensations using focused sound waves
Computer vision in AR/VR
- Computer vision algorithms form the backbone of AR/VR systems, enabling accurate perception and interaction
- These techniques process visual data from cameras and sensors to understand the user's environment
- Advanced computer vision methods allow AR/VR systems to recognize objects, track movements, and map spaces in real-time
Image recognition and tracking
- Feature detection algorithms (SIFT, SURF, ORB) identify distinctive points in images for tracking
- Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) enable robust object recognition and classification in AR applications
- Optical flow techniques track motion between consecutive frames for smooth AR overlays
- Template matching algorithms compare image regions to predefined patterns for marker-based AR
Depth sensing and mapping
- Structured light systems project patterns onto surfaces to calculate depth information
- Time-of-Flight (ToF) cameras measure the time taken for light to bounce back from objects
- Stereo vision uses two cameras to estimate depth through triangulation
- Visual-Inertial Odometry (VIO) combines camera data with inertial measurements for accurate device positioning
Pose estimation
- 6 Degrees of Freedom (6DoF) tracking determines position and orientation in 3D space
- Perspective-n-Point (PnP) algorithms estimate camera pose from 2D-3D point correspondences
- Sensor fusion combines data from multiple sources (cameras, IMUs, GPS) for robust
- Kalman filters and particle filters predict and refine pose estimates over time
Image processing for AR/VR
- Image processing techniques enhance the visual quality and performance of AR/VR systems
- These methods optimize rendering, improve display output, and ensure smooth integration of virtual content
- Advanced image processing algorithms contribute to reducing latency and increasing the realism of AR/VR experiences
Real-time rendering techniques
- optimizes performance by reducing detail in peripheral vision areas
- Asynchronous Timewarp reduces perceived latency by warping previously rendered frames
- Adaptive resolution scaling adjusts render quality based on available processing power
- Occlusion culling improves performance by not rendering objects hidden from view
Image enhancement for displays
- Chromatic aberration correction compensates for color fringing in optical systems
- Barrel and pincushion distortion correction adjusts for lens-induced image warping
- High Dynamic Range (HDR) rendering increases the range of luminance levels for more realistic visuals
- Anti-aliasing techniques (MSAA, FXAA) reduce jagged edges in rendered images
Stereoscopic image processing
- Parallax adjustment fine-tunes the perceived depth of stereoscopic images
- Interpupillary distance (IPD) calibration ensures proper alignment of stereo images for individual users
- Depth-aware image compositing blends virtual objects with real-world scenes at the correct depth
- Anaglyph image generation creates 3D effects using color-filtered images for each eye
User interaction in AR/VR
- User interaction in AR/VR relies on computer vision and image processing to interpret user inputs
- These technologies enable natural and intuitive ways for users to engage with virtual content
- Advanced interaction methods enhance immersion and usability in AR/VR applications
Gesture recognition
- Hand tracking algorithms detect and interpret hand movements and poses
- Skeletal tracking enables full-body for more immersive interactions
- Machine learning models classify complex gestures for advanced control schemes
- Depth cameras improve gesture recognition accuracy by providing 3D spatial information
Eye tracking
- Pupil center corneal reflection (PCCR) technique tracks eye movements using infrared light
- Foveated rendering uses data to optimize graphics performance
- Gaze-based interfaces allow users to interact with virtual objects using eye movements
- Eye tracking enables more natural depth-of-field effects in VR rendering
Voice commands
- (NLP) interprets spoken commands for hands-free control
- Wake word detection activates voice recognition systems in AR/VR devices
- Speech-to-text conversion enables text input and search functionality in virtual environments
- Voice activity detection distinguishes speech from background noise for improved recognition accuracy
Applications of AR/VR
- AR and VR technologies find applications across various industries, leveraging computer vision and image processing
- These applications demonstrate the versatility and potential impact of AR/VR in different domains
- Continuous advancements in AR/VR technologies expand the scope and effectiveness of these applications
Gaming and entertainment
- Immersive VR games create fully interactive virtual worlds for players to explore
- AR mobile games (Pokémon GO) blend virtual elements with real-world environments
- VR theme park attractions offer enhanced rides and experiences
- AR-enhanced live events (concerts, sports) provide additional information and interactive elements
Education and training
- transport students to historical sites or inaccessible locations
- AR anatomy apps overlay 3D models onto the human body for medical education
- VR simulations provide safe environments for practicing dangerous or complex procedures
- AR maintenance guides offer step-by-step instructions for equipment repair and assembly
Healthcare and medicine
- treats phobias and PTSD by simulating triggering scenarios
- AR surgical navigation systems overlay patient data and guidance during procedures
- VR pain management techniques distract patients during painful treatments or recovery
- AR visualization tools assist in planning complex surgeries and medical interventions
Challenges in AR/VR
- AR and VR technologies face several challenges that impact user experience and adoption
- Addressing these challenges requires advancements in computer vision, image processing, and hardware design
- Overcoming these obstacles is crucial for the widespread adoption and long-term success of AR/VR technologies
Motion sickness and discomfort
- Vestibular mismatch between visual and physical motion causes VR sickness
- Latency in display updates contributes to and disorientation
- Vergence-accommodation conflict strains eyes when focusing on virtual objects
- Extended use of AR/VR devices can lead to eye fatigue and physical discomfort
Privacy and security concerns
- AR applications may inadvertently capture and process sensitive real-world information
- VR systems collect large amounts of user data, including movement patterns and physiological responses
- Potential for AR/VR devices to be hacked, leading to unauthorized access to personal information
- Ethical considerations arise from the use of AR/VR for surveillance or behavior manipulation
Hardware limitations
- Current display resolutions fall short of human visual acuity, reducing immersion
- in AR headsets restrict the area where virtual content can be displayed
- Battery life constraints impact the portability and usability of standalone AR/VR devices
- Processing power requirements for high-quality AR/VR experiences limit mobile device capabilities
Future trends
- The future of AR/VR technologies is shaped by ongoing research and development in computer vision and image processing
- Emerging trends aim to address current limitations and expand the capabilities of AR/VR systems
- These advancements promise to enhance user experience and broaden the applications of AR/VR across industries
Mixed reality integration
- Seamless blending of AR and VR technologies for more versatile experiences
- Advanced environment understanding enables better integration of virtual objects in real spaces
- Collaborative mixed reality spaces allow multiple users to interact in shared virtual environments
- Adaptive systems dynamically adjust the level of virtuality based on user needs and context
Advancements in display technology
- Micro-LED displays offer higher brightness, contrast, and energy efficiency for AR/VR devices
- Holographic displays create true 3D images without the need for special eyewear
- Varifocal displays address the vergence-accommodation conflict by dynamically adjusting focus
- Light field displays provide more natural depth cues and wider fields of view
AI-enhanced AR/VR experiences
- Machine learning algorithms improve object recognition and tracking in real-time
- AI-powered content generation creates dynamic and personalized virtual environments
- Natural language processing enables more sophisticated voice interactions in AR/VR
- Emotion recognition systems adapt experiences based on user's emotional state and engagement
Key Terms to Review (36)
360-degree video: 360-degree video is a format that captures a complete panoramic view of a scene, allowing viewers to look in any direction, creating an immersive experience. This technology is particularly important for augmented and virtual reality applications, as it enhances the sense of presence and engagement by allowing users to explore environments interactively. The capability to navigate through a scene provides a unique storytelling method that traditional video cannot offer.
ARCore: ARCore is Google's platform for building augmented reality experiences on Android devices. It enables developers to create apps that can understand the environment around the user by recognizing surfaces, tracking motion, and estimating light conditions, allowing for realistic and immersive AR interactions. This platform seamlessly integrates with mobile technology, opening up innovative applications in various fields such as gaming, education, and navigation.
ARKit: ARKit is Apple's framework for creating augmented reality (AR) experiences on iOS devices. It leverages the device's camera and motion sensors to blend digital content with the real world, allowing developers to create immersive applications that enhance user interactions with their surroundings. By using ARKit, developers can track the environment, detect surfaces, and integrate virtual objects seamlessly into the physical space.
Augmented Reality: Augmented reality (AR) is a technology that overlays digital information, such as images or sounds, onto the real world through devices like smartphones, tablets, or AR glasses. This merging of digital content with the physical environment enhances the user's perception of reality, allowing for interactive experiences. AR leverages techniques from stereoscopic vision and 3D reconstruction to accurately align and integrate virtual elements with real-world scenes, while computational cameras help capture and process these environments efficiently.
Computer Vision: Computer vision is a field of artificial intelligence that enables machines to interpret and make decisions based on visual data from the world. By using algorithms and machine learning techniques, computer vision aims to emulate human visual perception and facilitate tasks such as object recognition, scene understanding, and image processing. This technology is increasingly applied in various industries, where it enhances capabilities in automation, inspection, and immersive experiences.
Depth sensing: Depth sensing refers to the ability to capture and understand the distance between objects in a scene and the sensor itself. This technology plays a crucial role in creating a realistic experience in augmented and virtual reality, as it allows systems to perceive the spatial relationships of objects in a three-dimensional space, enhancing user interaction and immersion.
Eye tracking: Eye tracking is a technology that measures where a person is looking, usually by determining the point of gaze or the movement of the eyes. This capability provides crucial insights into attention, focus, and visual processing, making it particularly valuable in computational displays and augmented or virtual reality environments. By understanding eye movement, developers can create more intuitive and responsive interfaces that enhance user experience in these advanced technologies.
Field of view limitations: Field of view limitations refer to the constraints on the observable area that can be captured or displayed by a visual device, such as a camera or headset. These limitations are crucial in augmented and virtual reality, as they directly affect user experience, immersion, and the effectiveness of visual overlays. A narrow field of view can hinder the perception of depth and spatial awareness, which are vital for creating a realistic and engaging experience.
Foveated Rendering: Foveated rendering is a technique used in computer graphics and virtual reality that prioritizes rendering quality based on where a viewer's gaze is focused. By taking advantage of the human eye's limited ability to perceive high detail outside the foveal region, this method allows systems to reduce the rendering workload in peripheral areas, improving performance and saving computational resources. It connects closely with advancements in computational displays and enhances immersive experiences in augmented and virtual reality environments.
Gesture recognition: Gesture recognition is a technology that enables a system to interpret human gestures as input commands, typically through computer vision techniques. It plays a crucial role in enhancing user interaction by allowing individuals to control devices and applications using body movements, without the need for physical interfaces. This capability is particularly important in creating intuitive experiences in various contexts, including immersive environments and interactive displays.
Google Glass: Google Glass is a wearable technology that resembles eyeglasses and provides augmented reality features, allowing users to access information and interact with digital content seamlessly. This device was designed to enhance the user's perception of the world by overlaying useful information onto their view, making it an important example of how augmented reality can be integrated into everyday life.
Haptic feedback systems: Haptic feedback systems are technologies that provide tactile sensations to users through vibrations or forces, enhancing the interaction between users and digital environments. These systems are crucial in creating immersive experiences in augmented and virtual reality by simulating touch and motion, making virtual interactions feel more realistic. They play a key role in improving user engagement and can enhance training simulations, gaming, and remote collaboration by allowing users to 'feel' actions in a virtual space.
Head-mounted display: A head-mounted display (HMD) is a type of wearable device that combines a display and optics to provide immersive visual experiences, often used in augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) applications. HMDs can track the user's head movements, allowing for a more interactive and engaging experience by adjusting the displayed images accordingly. This technology plays a crucial role in creating realistic environments and experiences in various fields, including gaming, education, and medical training.
Interaction Design: Interaction design is the process of creating engaging interfaces with well-thought-out behaviors. It focuses on how users interact with technology, ensuring that the experience is intuitive, efficient, and satisfying. The goal is to design products that facilitate effective communication between the user and the system, taking into account user needs, feedback, and the context of use.
Location-based AR: Location-based AR (Augmented Reality) refers to technology that superimposes digital content onto the real world, using the user's geographical location as a reference point. This type of AR enhances user experiences by integrating virtual elements into physical environments, allowing for interactive applications in gaming, navigation, and tourism.
Magic Leap: Magic Leap is a technology company known for its advanced augmented reality (AR) headsets that blend digital content with the real world. The company's flagship product, Magic Leap One, allows users to interact with 3D holograms in their environment, creating immersive experiences that enhance both entertainment and productivity. This innovation in AR technology plays a significant role in advancing the capabilities and applications of augmented and virtual reality.
Marker-based AR: Marker-based augmented reality (AR) is a technology that uses visual markers, often in the form of QR codes or specific images, to trigger the overlay of digital information or 3D models onto a real-world view when detected by a camera. This approach relies on computer vision techniques to recognize these markers and accurately position the virtual content in relation to the physical environment, creating an interactive experience for users.
Markerless AR: Markerless AR, or markerless augmented reality, refers to a type of augmented reality that does not rely on physical markers or predefined images to overlay digital content onto the real world. Instead, it uses advanced computer vision techniques to recognize and understand the environment in real-time, allowing for more flexible and dynamic interactions. This form of AR enhances user experiences by providing context-aware content based on the surroundings without the need for specific reference points.
Microsoft HoloLens: Microsoft HoloLens is a mixed-reality headset that combines augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) to create an immersive experience where digital content interacts with the real world. This device allows users to visualize holograms in their physical environment, enabling a wide range of applications from gaming to industrial design and remote collaboration.
Mixed Reality: Mixed reality is a technology that blends real and virtual worlds, allowing physical and digital objects to coexist and interact in real-time. It takes elements from both augmented reality, where digital content is overlaid on the real world, and virtual reality, where users are immersed in a fully digital environment. This integration creates new opportunities for interactive experiences, enhancing how we perceive and interact with our surroundings.
Motion sickness: Motion sickness is a condition characterized by symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, and disorientation that occur when there is a disconnect between visual input and the vestibular system's sense of movement. This phenomenon is particularly relevant in the context of augmented and virtual reality, where users are immersed in environments that can confuse their sensory perceptions, leading to discomfort.
Natural Language Processing: Natural Language Processing (NLP) is a field of artificial intelligence that focuses on the interaction between computers and humans through natural language. It involves the ability of machines to understand, interpret, and generate human language in a way that is both meaningful and useful. NLP combines computational linguistics with machine learning, allowing systems to process and analyze vast amounts of natural language data.
Oculus: Oculus refers to a brand of virtual reality (VR) headsets developed by Oculus VR, a subsidiary of Meta Platforms, Inc. These headsets enable immersive experiences by allowing users to interact with virtual environments and objects as if they were physically present. With advancements in technology, Oculus has contributed significantly to the fields of gaming, education, and social interaction within virtual spaces.
Oculus Rift: Oculus Rift is a virtual reality (VR) headset developed by Oculus VR, which was acquired by Facebook in 2014. It provides immersive experiences by combining advanced display technology and motion tracking, allowing users to engage in virtual environments in a highly interactive manner. The headset is designed to deliver high-quality graphics and positional tracking, enabling applications in gaming, education, and various forms of media.
OpenXR: OpenXR is an open standard developed by the Khronos Group designed to provide a unified interface for virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) applications. It aims to simplify the development process by allowing developers to create applications that can run on various hardware and software platforms without needing to tailor them for each specific environment. By offering a common API, OpenXR fosters interoperability across devices and systems in the realm of immersive technologies.
Photogrammetry: Photogrammetry is the science of making measurements from photographs, typically used to obtain accurate information about physical objects and the environment. It involves capturing images from multiple perspectives to create 3D models, enabling detailed analysis and interpretation of spatial data. This technique is especially important in fields like mapping, architecture, and engineering, where precise measurements are crucial.
Pose estimation: Pose estimation refers to the process of determining the orientation and position of an object or a person in a given space, typically using visual data. It plays a crucial role in enabling computers to interpret and interact with the physical world, particularly in applications like robotics and augmented reality. By analyzing images or video streams, pose estimation can help track movements and gestures, facilitating interactions between users and digital content.
Simultaneous Localization and Mapping: Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) is a computational technique used in robotics and computer vision that enables an autonomous system to build a map of an unknown environment while simultaneously keeping track of its own location within that environment. This dual task involves processing data from various sensors, such as cameras and LIDAR, to create accurate spatial representations and navigate effectively. SLAM is vital in applications such as augmented and virtual reality, where understanding the surroundings in real-time enhances user experience and interaction.
Standalone VR Headsets: Standalone VR headsets are virtual reality devices that do not require a separate computer or console to operate, as they come with built-in processors, storage, and software. This self-contained nature allows users to experience immersive virtual environments and applications without the hassle of cables or external hardware, making them user-friendly and portable. Standalone headsets cater to both casual users and developers, providing an accessible entry point into virtual reality experiences.
Tethered VR headsets: Tethered VR headsets are virtual reality devices that connect directly to a computer or gaming console via a physical cable. This connection allows for high-quality graphics and immersive experiences, as the processing power comes from the connected device rather than the headset itself. Tethered VR headsets often offer more advanced features and higher fidelity compared to standalone devices, making them popular for gaming and professional applications.
User Immersion: User immersion refers to the degree to which a user is engaged and absorbed in a virtual or augmented environment. It encompasses the sensations, emotions, and cognitive involvement that the user experiences while interacting with digital content, making them feel as though they are part of that environment. High levels of user immersion can enhance the effectiveness of applications in augmented and virtual reality by creating a more realistic and interactive experience.
Virtual field trips: Virtual field trips are immersive experiences that allow individuals to explore and interact with environments or locations remotely, typically through the use of technology like augmented and virtual reality. These experiences can transport users to various settings, whether it's a museum, historical site, or even the depths of the ocean, enhancing education and engagement without the need for physical travel. By incorporating multimedia elements, virtual field trips provide a dynamic learning opportunity that can enrich understanding and spark curiosity.
Virtual reality: Virtual reality (VR) is an immersive technology that creates a simulated environment, allowing users to experience and interact with a three-dimensional space through the use of computer-generated imagery and sensory feedback. By utilizing specialized equipment such as headsets, gloves, and motion sensors, VR enables users to feel as if they are physically present in the digital world, offering applications in gaming, training, education, and beyond. This technology often relies on techniques like 3D reconstruction to create realistic environments that enhance user experiences.
Vr exposure therapy: VR exposure therapy is a psychological treatment that uses virtual reality technology to help individuals confront and overcome their fears or anxiety-triggering situations in a controlled and safe environment. By immersing patients in a realistic virtual world, therapists can simulate stressful scenarios and guide individuals through their responses, allowing for desensitization and coping strategies to be developed.
Vr gaming: VR gaming, or virtual reality gaming, refers to the use of immersive technology to create a simulated environment where players can interact with 3D worlds in a seemingly real way. This technology often employs headsets and motion controllers to provide a sense of presence and interactivity, enhancing the gaming experience. VR gaming leverages augmented and virtual reality technologies to engage players in unique ways, making them feel as though they are part of the game.
Webxr: WebXR is an API that enables developers to create immersive augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) experiences on the web, allowing users to interact with 3D content directly in their web browsers. This technology simplifies the development process by providing a unified framework that supports various devices, ensuring a seamless experience across both AR and VR applications. With WebXR, users can engage with digital environments in real-time, bridging the gap between the physical and digital worlds.