Fundamentally, AR is a combination or synthesis of the physical world and the digital world. AR augments your physical world; it never replaces it (that’s VR’s job). Ideally, AR devices are worn on the head to preserve situational awareness of our visual and auditory environment. It’s not like looking down at a phone screen or listening to digital audio with noise-cancelling (or reducing) earbuds. For greater depth and discussion follow John CC Fan’s talks at MIT’s ARIA Conferences (links in AR Links page)
AR systems NEED cameras …
Bringing printed images in textbooks and articles to life: Michael Campbell’s 2018 ARIA talk on The Next Frontier of Innovation demonstrates how an Atlantic article on advanced manufacturing uses AR to help visualize complex processes: https://youtu.be/_dg5hEEzzQ8?t=475
Best introduction to AR concept is Vernor Vinge’s classic book, Rainbow’s End, in which near-future students “wear” their technology to school, for play, and to pursue amazing adventure. Imagine conducting your academic education through your AR glasses in and out of class!
Below are annotated links to AR resources: https://3dbear.io/3dbearar/
3D Bear AR: https://3dbear.io/3dbearar/
Students can use the app to place 3D bear and other images in your home or classroom. The 3D bears and similar objects can be 3D printed.
Storm Surge & Tornado Strike AR (Weather.com done in Unreal 4)
• Storm Surge: https://youtu.be/q01vSb_B1o0
• Tornado Strike: https://youtu.be/0cODBQqaGTw
• Tornado in Studio: https://youtu.be/mclPB06sCYY