Types of Augmented Reality
Augmented reality is characterized by the incorporation of artificial or virtual elements into the physical world, in real-time. According to the University of North Carolina, unlike virtual reality, which replaces the physical world with a virtual rendering, augmented reality supplements the physical world and blends together virtual and actual objects. Common types of augmented reality include projection, recognition, location and outline, which you can observe, for example via television, handheld devices and head-mounted displays (like goggles).
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Projection
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Perhaps the most common type of augmented reality, projection uses virtual imagery to augment what you see live. Televised sporting events frequently utilize this type of augmented reality, such as in football games when the line of scrimmage and the yardage needed for a first down are indicated with virtual, colored bands (they are not actually on the field). According to PersonalizeMedia.com, projection can also be interactive. Some devices can track movements and sounds with a camera and then respond. Virtual or projection keyboards, which you can project onto to almost any flat surface and use, are examples of augmented reality devices that use interactive projection.
Recognition
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Recognition is a type of augmented reality that uses the recognition of shapes, faces or other real world items to provide supplementary virtual information to you in real-time during everyday situations. According to arstechnica.com, a handheld device such as a smart phone (with the proper programming), could use recognition to read product bar codes and provide relevant information such as reviews and prices or to read faces and then provide links to a person's social networking profile (or profiles).
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Location
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According to PersonalizeMedia.com, location uses triangulation technology, such as GPS, to instantaneously provide you with relevant directional information. For example, according to arstechnica.com, you can use a smart phone with GPS to determine your location, and then have onscreen arrows--superimposed over a live image of what's in front of you--point you in the direction of where you need to go. This technology can also be used to locate nearby public transportation stations.
Outline
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Outline is a type of augmented reality that according to PersonalizeMedia.com merges the outline of your body or a part of your body with virtual materials, allowing you to pick up and otherwise manipulate objects that do not exist in reality. One example of this can be found at some museums and science centers in the form of virtual volleyball. Although you stand and move on an actual court, the ball is projected on a wall behind you, and you control it with an outline of yourself, which is also projected on the wall.
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