If you are a modern art or marketing enthusiast, you must have surely heard about AR projection mapping.
But these are not the only use cases of this new type of projection.
Did you know it can be encountered in medicine, education, or at the theater? And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Read on to find out more!
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For the AR projection mapping definition, the abbreviation AR needs to be explained. AR (augmented reality) or SAR (spatial augmented reality) means “extended reality” – meaning that the real world is overlaid with elements from the virtual space.
Projection mapping is a type of AR in which an outdoor projection system (but you can also employ it in an enclosed space) is used to overlay digital content onto physical objects or surfaces. The resulting effect is visible with the naked eye, without any help or device.
Augmented reality is a technological phenomenon, i.e. computer generated. Virtual elements appear to users as if they are physically embedded in the real world.
This is achieved by an AR system that performs three-dimensional registration. In the next part, we will explain in a nutshell what AR technically enables, what are its types and where it can be used.
A three-dimensional, interactive and real-time extension can only be achieved with appropriate technologies.
An augmented reality projector using 3D depth cameras is best, projected AR uses a combination of multiple cameras and visual sensors to augment the environment with virtual graphics.
The main difference between regular projection (virtual reality) is that in virtual reality the real world is hidden, which means that users experience a completely synthetic world.
The goal of AR is to create the impression that virtual elements actually exist alongside physical reality. To create such a complicated (especially if interactive) projection requires specialized software and hardware and that’s why it is very expensive. However, it is more than worth seeing (and buying)!
Both virtual and AR projections owe their origin to computer games and computer-generated images. Nowadays, they have found applications in many other fields.
With a good projection mapping kit, almost nothing is impossible. Its most important use so far is:
AR projection mapping is a great spectacle for your company event or when used for advertisement
Choose a projector from LM3X to offer your audience the best show possible
In static AR projection, static or non-moving virtual content is projected onto the real world. It involves overlaying digital images, videos, or information onto the physical environment in a way that appears to coexist with the real objects.
On the other hand, dynamic AR projection refers to the use of AR technology where interactive and moving virtual content onto the real world is to be projected.
Dynamic AR projection adds a layer of interactivity and responsiveness to the augmented experience. What is different is the digital content, the hardware does not change a lot. A good outdoor projector shop should manage both static and dynamic AR..
Works of those who are not afraid of innovation, point the way in the right direction. These are:
Some good examples can be the launch of a new BMW car accompanied by projection mapping, a 3D menu in the restaurant or even a pool (snooker) live aid, which is very helpful for novice players and the audience!
Australian artist Gemma O’Brien combined her vision with 3d designer Craig Wislow and the result is a spectacular moving image.
Besides marketing or other “grand” uses and applications, AR can also be a lot of fun – as you can see in our own example below!
Whether the purpose is marketing or pure visual experience, AR projection mapping can truly delight and amaze. One can be sure of the impact of a good projection on the audience.
A quality projector sets the basis for a quality projection
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One of its downsides is that an AR projection is not cheap. Besides the main projecting elements you have to have a projector wall mount and projector tripod.
You also have to pay engineers and designers for concept ideation and software creation.
Another big disadvantage is that the projection is practically invisible in direct daylight, it needs at least some gloom or preferably a complete darkness.
Fortunately, we managed to do without the traditional devices that conveyed augmented reality to the viewer.
In the past, there were smartphones and tablets with special AR apps and filters, but also – as with virtual reality – special glasses.
Nowadays, we don’t need these anymore. The projection is visible without aid, our eyes are not getting tired and the amount of spectators is not limited.
It needs to be said that AR Projection Mapping is still in its very beginning, though there are many successful projects in art, advertising etc. created by this kind of projection.
The big boom is expected within a few next decades in industry, health care, education and entertainment. Predictions of potential further applications are promising and daring.
AR projection mapping is a technology we’re sure to hear a lot more about. It is both useful and nice to look at. And as the world is changing ever faster nowadays, it is possible that in just a few years, it will be an everyday part of our lives
To avoid being caught off guard by the competition, move with the times and use AR for your business or creativity
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