Where virtual reality and 3D Graphics create worlds and environments which may or may not exist, augmented reality is designed to present the user with an altered reality.  For example: Virtual Reality games based in space may have great graphics and look realistic. However, the viewer knows that space stations and being upon a space station is fantasy. Therefore this is not augmented reality. On the other hand, an architect may have a landscape modeled out and a proposed building placed into that scene. The client can then experience the look and feel of the proposed building prior to the construction. This is augmented reality.

What are its current applications & future potential?

Augmented Reality is based on presenting the present world with aspects of the 3D world. The key to augmented reality is that it is interactive. This leaves the user of such technology questioning to some degree whether or not the presented manipulated reality is real or fiction. There are a few different augmentations which are in demand which fall within the realm of Augmented Reality.

• Augmented Reality in Business – This is mainly used in Construction and Architectural work. However, mechanical animations and 3d have also been used to show the functions of certain devices prior to construction. The best examples of these augmented realities are found with interactive walkthroughs of sites and buildings. On the mechanical side of things, one can see such augmented reality in security systems and hydro dynamics.
• Augmented Reality in Games – Games increasingly want to present realistic environments in which the clients can interact with the interface. This is especially true in games genres such as casinos, racing games, and the ever so popular post-apocalyptic games (which are starting to use real cities to make the user feel like the game is real).
• Augmented Reality in Marketing – This genre has grown substantially in the past few months. The try before you buy demand has grown to the point of clients wanting to know exactly how a product will work before buying it. Virtual televisions can be accessed to see how they function. Cosmetics are presented on a life like model so that the client can see how different shades appear on human skin.

Where these are current trends that are in high demand, the potential uses of augmented reality are limitless. One could easily see augmented reality used to show the use of medicine on blood cells. Medical personnel could get hands on training without the potential of harming a patient due to inexperience.  World developments can be tested prior to implementation. Again the imagination is the limit.

Interesting uses of Augmented Reality

Where the sky is the limit, there are some specific examples which one may find interesting where augmented reality is being used.

• Recruitment – Call of Duty is a video game, true. However, because of the real world like features of the game, the army recruitment office has set up call of duty stations in malls (for example the Columbus, GA mall). Anyone is free to play the game for a cost. Those which do well will probably be getting a recruitment package and a phone call asking you to sign up with the Army.
• Criminal Law – More and more courtrooms are seeing demonstrations in augmented reality. Where the jury does not interact with the environment directly, the reason that this falls within the scope is due to the detail which is presented. Lawyers are now presenting the crimes as they envisioned them occurring. By doing such, the jury is exposed to a virtual rendition of the alleged crime. On the other hand, defenses are using augmented reality to show the improbability of a crime occurring.

Technology is constantly evolving and the demand for more and more realistic and interactive 3D continues to rise. It would not be surprising in the least to see augmented reality come into the controversial spotlight as this occurs. The argument of course will be where does the line need to be drawn between what is real and what is simulated. As the line draws thinner and thinner between augmented reality and true reality, one can expect this question to arise. However, augmented reality should not be feared. It is a tool and an art form and those who do well in presenting the art should be praised.