Key Applications

Abstract

The possibilities of augmented reality run the gamut from basic informational purposes to enterprise needs, fulfilling training and onsite job assistance. With modern computer-aided design (CAD) programs, it is possible to generate elaborate 3D representations of data that can lead us to spectacular insights of very complex relationships and to extend the value of the original design out to service and maintenance, facilities management, operations, etc.Augmented reality will completely alter the education sector from training to sports to remedial education.One of the first applications for augmented reality was how to repair a copying machine, and automotive repair. Augmented reality is also used as a tool for design review and to evaluate present models while design is still in the development stage. Virtual models that replace real ones are being used to inform customers and public about new products.The medical field is so broad that there are dozens of applications, enough for a book of its own. From enabling health care workers in a hospital or doctor’s office to be mobile and still be able to access health records and/or enter data into forms, to providing telesense capabilities so a remotely located field medic can be guided by a physician from a hospital across the world.The military has played an important role in the creation and development of wearable augmented reality, starting back in 1963 with Bell helicopter which inspired Ivan SutherlandAugmented Reality is not a single thing, say like a PC or a smartphone. Rather it is collection of hardware and software capabilities with an almost endless list of applications. This is the good news in terms of the market opportunity and growth, and the bad news if you want to chronicle and analyze the technology and market.It cannot be said too often that the needs and uses of commercial and enterprise augmented reality users are dramatically different from consumers. Whereas consumers are mostly concerned with appearance and price, commercial and enterprise users are more concerned with functionality and return on investment.