Augmented+reality

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Wheeler, Steven (2010). l New Smart Devices for Learning (PowerPoint slides). Retrieved from [|http://www.slideshare.net/timbuckteeth/new-smart-devices-for-learning]=====

Peaks AR by Augmented Outdoors
This is an iPhone application that uses the built in GPS, compass, camera, and internet connection to overlay realtime data about the mountains that you are looking at. This kind of on-demand augmented reality could easily be extended to support other forms of data - imagine a field trip that provides additional contextual information (what species am I looking at? show me more information about this (animal, place, picture, person, etc...)

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An educational trend closely related to the field of mobile learning is Augmented Reality.

Ronald Azuma in 1997 defined Augmented Reality as “systems that have the following three characteristics: 1) Combines real and virtual 2) Interactive in real time 3) Registered in 3-D Augmented Reality enhances a user's perception of and interaction with the real world.(Azuma, 1997)
 * Augmented Reality Definition:**

Initially, the field of augmented reality was closely tied to the field of virtual reality. But with the increase in the computing power of mobile devices, it is now possible to synthesise virtual information onto real world scenarios. Mobile Augmented Reality Systems (MARS) is one such example where the real world becomes the user interface. For mobile augmented reality applications to work efficiently, the following requirements have to be met. · Camera – The camera captures the real world over which the virtual information is to be layered. · Wireless Network – A wireless internet connection allows the user to connect with the information posted on a database. · Data storage and access – Based on the individual’s current location, the data must be provided. A huge data repository is required for successfully providing the user with relevant data. · GPS – To determine the individual user’s precise location and the surrounding details, augmented reality systems rely on GPS data. · Sophisticated software – To successfully display data that integrates the visuals captured from the camera, the GPS coordinates of the user’s position, and the requested data, a sophisticated software must be employed. Some examples include Layar, ARToolKit, ARSights, among others.
 * Mobile Augmented Reality: **

Areas where Mobile Augmented Reality can be implemented include Tourism, Medicine, Museum Tours, Navigation, Architecture, Archaeology, Military training, Aviation, Entertainment and many more.

Visit this link to get a History of Mobile Computing.