Mixed Reality is going to change the world we are living in the next decade!

Mixed reality is the result of combining the physical world with the digital world. Mixed reality is the new upcoming evolution in human, computer, and environment interaction and unlocks possibilities that before now were restricted to our imaginations. It is made possible by advancements in computer vision, graphical processing power, display technology, and input systems. 

Mixed Reality is divided into 2 broad categories, in fact, it is best to say that mixed reality takes the best of both Augmented Reality and Virtual reality, hence to understand Mixed reality we need to understand first Augmented and Virtual reality

Augmented reality

In Simple terms, Augmented reality enhances our perception of looking at things. Whatever we see as an image,  objects on the screen are presented in front of us as a 3D model which gives excellent details which would be impossible to see in a 2D image. This also enhances the user experience on a much greater level.

Types of Augmented Reality

Augmented reality is divided into 4 types, they are

Marker Based Augmented Reality

This type of AR basically shows a result when it is identified by the marker or unique QR code.

No Marker Augmented Reality

This type of AR shows the result with the help of GPS tracker, or Digital Compass, accelerometer and is widely used in mobile applications.

Projection Based Augmented Reality

This type of AR projects a 2D image in front of you and then interacting with that image, it gives the desired result.

Superimposition Based Augmented Reality

This is one of the most amazing and best types of AR, It scans the object in front of you with the help of object recognition and after scanning it, produces the 3D model of the same image superimposed on the original image.

How Does Augmented Reality Work?

To exactly understand how AR technology works we need to know it’s a purpose that brings computer-created objects into the real world, which only the user can see and operate. It basically acts as an enhanced spectacle that allows the images and interactive virtual objects superimposed on the real-world image. It is independent of any computer device and or TV or Laptop. It is self-sufficient to provide excellent details of each result projected.

Virtual Reality

Virtual Reality is that which most of us must be aware of and many of you must be using it, Virtual Reality is the immersive type of technology which manipulates human brain so well that it believes he is somewhere in a different world altogether. Many of the tech giant companies are investing billions of dollars to make sure it changes the way we look at the world. It consists of a headset that needs to be attached in front of our eyes and then we with the help of headphones we are completely into the different world which may or may not be real.

We need to understand it’s an important component

1.    Virtual World – 3D environment and experiences similar to real world

2.    Immersion – Involvement of the user to get fully immersed physically and mentally.

3.    Sensory Feedback - How are sensory organs react to the virtual environment.

4.    Interactivity - How the user interacts with the virtual world.

Types of Virtual Reality Categories

These types are categorized based on immersion types.

Non- Immersive simulations

These type of VR is such that user is aware of both real-world and virtual world. It uses it through VR enabled desktops present at the work stations.

Semi Immersive simulations

They provide partial immersion but more than non-immersive simulations. Here the result is projected on a large screen and in a closed environment. These are the same technologies used in flight simulations and car driving simulations.

Fully Immersive Simulations

These simulations are the most immersive and the best of all, the user is given proper headset with inbuilt headphones and it completely makes the user feel they are the part of the projection they are watching, they completely dive into the virtual world. These are used in gaming technology and many other applications.

How Does VR Technology Work?

VR's main objective is to create such a world and interactive experience for the user that he completely forgets his real world and starts believing the VR world is only the real world. It can be viewed with the head-mounted display and can include motion trackers for a more immersive experience.

Applications of mixed reality

Remote Attendance & Remote Interaction

This can be best explained when we are at a completely different location and we want to interact or attend a meeting at another location may be in a different country , then with the help of mixed reality we are able to attend that event or meeting remotely with the help of mixed reality, Skype and Webinars will be the old methods once mixed reality comes into action.

Wearable Holographic Computers.

These wearables have sensors that create a holographic display that is mapping the physical environment. You can decorate your home using this, you could even plan an event as they provide a holographic display to physical objects

Heads-up Display

These can be used by commercial pilots and aviation engineers so that they get the holographic image of the location to be landed beforehand, so that they can land safely and at proper destination without getting lost or misguided, This can also help in emergency landing where it can give holographic view of the location to be landed.

Gesture Recognition

These can be used best in the gaming application, where the player can use real actions like kicking the ball or batting the bowler and the same gets done in the virtual reality mode. This becomes extremely useful for a more immersive experience.

The Host City (or Anything) Reimagined

If you are planning to build something like a new car, a new house, a new city anything with the help of mixed reality you can wake a 3D model of that object and see how it would look in the present condition, you can change and modify it so that we real construction begins it would not have any structural error.

This is really exciting, it could change everything we use and know about machines and technology and take us to completely different levels of clarity and perfection. The big ventures have already started using it, It would be a matter of time that it would become a part of our daily lives.