TOPIC 6- AR AND VR What is AR? Augmented reality (AR) is an interactive experience of a real-world environment where the real objects that reside in the real-world are "augmented" by (mobile) technology. Usually virtual objects (augmented components) appear to coexist in the same space as the real objects in the real world. AR was first introduced as a training tool for Air Force pilots during the 1990s. Currently, AR is popularly used in educational settings as it no longer requires expensive hardware or equipment, but rather it can be easily supported by computers or mobile devices. What is VR? Virtual reality (VR) is an interactive computer-generated experience taking place within a simulated environment. It usually enables users to "look around" the artificial world, move around in it, and interact with the virtual features or items inside. In general, it is a simulated environment created by using technologies (but to mimic a real environment). Unlike traditional user interfaces, VR often places the user inside an experience. Instead of viewing a screen in front of them, users are often immersed and able to interact with 3D worlds. Many VR games allow players to play certain roles and interact with the virtual elements (e.g. enemy) inside. In order to create an immersive environment, users often wear headset devices such as Head-Mounted Display (HMD). What is the difference between AR and VR? Augmented reality (AR) adds digital elements to a live view often by using the camera on a smartphone. An example of augmented reality experiences is the game Pokemon Go. Virtual reality (VR) is a simulated environment where users can interact with the artificial elements or objects inside. A simple example of virtual reality is the virtual campus of NUS (http://vtour.nus.edu.sg/). Sometimes the difference between AR and VR can be blurred and even they are mixed together. The mixture of AR and VR is often called mixed reality. Mixed reality blends the physical world and the virtual world together, and the elements in the two worlds can interact with each other. An example is the IKEA Place app which allows users to put the virtual furniture into a real room to see if they fit well. Refer to the following video:
23 Comments
|