The Ultimate Guide to Understanding
Augmented Reality (AR) Technology
Introduction to Augmented Reality (AR)
Augmented Reality (AR) may not be as exciting as a virtual reality roller coaster ride, but the technology is proving itself as a very useful tool in our everyday lives.
From social media filters, to surgical procedures, AR is rapidly growing in popularity because it brings elements of the virtual world, into our real world, thus enhancing the things we see, hear, and feel. When compared to other reality technologies, augmented reality lies in the middle of the mixed reality spectrum; between the real world and the virtual world.
Marker-based augmented reality (also called Image Recognition) uses a camera and some type of visual marker, such as a QR/2D code, to produce a result only when the marker is sensed by a reader. Marker based applications use a camera on the device to distinguish a marker from any other real world object. Distinct, but simple patterns (such as a 
As one of the most widely implemented applications of augmented reality, markerless (also called location-based, position-based, or 
Projection based augmented reality works by projecting artificial light onto real world surfaces. Projection based 
Superimposition based augmented reality either partially or fully replaces the original view of an object with a newly augmented view of that same object. In superimposition based augmented reality, object recognition plays a vital role because the application cannot replace the original view with an augmented one if it cannot determine what the object is. A strong consumer-facing example of superimposition based augmented reality could be found in the 
Sensors are usually on the outside of the augmented reality device, and gather a user’s real world interactions and communicate them to be processed and interpreted. Cameras are also located on the outside of the device, and visually scan to collect data about the surrounding area. The devices take this information, which often determines where surrounding physical objects are located, and then formulates a digital model to determine appropriate output. In the case of 
Augmented reality devices are basically mini-supercomputers packed into tiny wearable devices. These devices require significant computer processing power and utilize many of the same components that our smartphones do. These components include a CPU, a GPU, flash memory, RAM, Bluetooth/Wifi microchip, global positioning system (GPS) microchip, and more. Advanced augmented reality devices, such as the 
Mirrors are used in augmented reality devices to assist with the way your eye views the virtual image. Some augmented reality devices may have “an array of many small curved mirrors” (as with the 
It takes bold visionaries and risk-takers to build future technologies into realities. In the field of augmented reality (AR), there are many companies across the globe working on this mission. Our mega list of mixed reality, virtual reality, and 
Integration of augmented reality assisted systems with patient record management technologies is already highly desirable utility. Data integrity and accessibility is a major benefit to this type of system, where record access becomes instantaneous and consistent across all professionals to the most current records, instructions, and policies.
