Exploring the Basics and Potential of Augmented Reality in Africa
Africa is ready for extended reality. In our first blog of 2023, I discuss the various types of Augmented Reality (AR) technology, such as marker-based and markerless, and their potential applications in different African sectors, such as education, tourism, industry, and healthcare.
Extended Reality (XR)
Understood as a virtual extension of our virtual reality. The extended reality, also known as XR, is an umbrella term that encompasses different forms of immersive technologies such as augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and mixed reality (MR). These technologies aim to enhance or replace our perception of the real world by providing computer-generated information and simulations.
Subdomains of extended reality
- Augmented Reality
- Virtual reality
- Mixed reality
Augmented Reality (AR)
Augmented reality is an interactive experience of a real-world environment where the objects reside in the real world enhanced by computer-generated perceptual information. Sometimes across multisensory modalities, including visual, auditory, haptic, somatosensory, and olfactory, e.g., Ikea place. There are two main types of Augmented Reality; marker-based and markerless AR.
- Marker-based- works on tracking and recognition; in this type of AR, you need a marker to perform augmentation. AR is slowly integrating into many African sectors, such as education, tourism, and industry. In education, markers can enhance classroom learning by providing interactive visual aids for subjects such as history and science.
Historically, marker-based AR brings historical events and figures to life by overlaying digital information onto physical objects or locations. For example, a teacher could use AR to display images of historical figures or artifacts in front of students and then provide additional information about the subject through text, audio, and video to enhance student interaction and engagement.
In science, marker-based AR visualizes complex concepts and processes that are difficult to understand through traditional methods. For example, a teacher could use AR to display 3D models of molecules or cells and then allow students to manipulate the models to understand their structure and function better. Additionally, AR can simulate difficult or impossible experiments in the classroom, such as dissections or reactions, making science more interactive, engaging, and understandable.
Other industries that can use marker-based AR are tourism, by placing markers at historical sites or landmarks to provide visitors with additional information about the location. Lately, automotive industries have used markers to conduct training, e.g., on how to assemble a car.
- Markerless AR- On the other hand, Markerless AR does not require markers and can detect a plane and perform augmentation of digital objects, e.g., IKEA. The types of markerless AR are; superimposition-based AR, projection-based AR, location-based AR, and outlining AR.
o Superimposition-based AR- it’s a technique that uses object recognition; the augmented image replaces the original partially or fully. In superimposed AR, digital content directly integrates into the real world’s live view rather than displaying in a separate window or screen, creating a more seamless and natural experience for the user, as digital content is an integral part of the real-world environment. Gamers in Africa can immerse, interact and see digital characters and objects seamlessly integrated into their real-world environment.
This AR helps create more engaging and interactive advertising experiences for the advertising sector, allowing users to interact with digital advertisements more naturally and intuitively. Some automotive industries use this AR to provide drivers with real-time information and guidance, such as navigation, traffic, and road conditions, improving safety and the driving experience. In healthcare, this type of AR is commonly used in the medical field to superimpose an x-ray onto a patient’s body.
Education: After covid-19 online learning became a necessity in many countries. Some institutions used Markerless AR to create virtual classrooms and online learning experiences, allowing students to access educational content from anywhere. For example, a teacher could use Markerless AR to make a virtual field trip to a museum or historical site, allowing students to explore and learn about the location without leaving their classrooms or homes.
As mentioned before, Augmented Reality is increasingly getting acceptance in Africa, and some industries are and should consider using markerless AR in Tourism: Throughout this article, the aftermath of the pandemic will be used as a point of reference. As countries can adopt such Markerless AR in Africa to create virtual tours of historical sites using 3D models and landmarks, allowing visitors to access additional information about the location through their smartphones or tablets without the risk of physical contact or cost implications of flying to another country for instance
o Location-based AR— ties digital content and the experience it creates to a specific place. The objects are mapped out so that when a user matches a predetermined spot, it’s displayed on the screen. It works like GPS or google maps; instead of 2D, it gives a 3D feeling. This AR uses the device’s GPS and other sensors to provide relevant digital content to a specific location providing users with information and experiences customized to their current location. This type of AR has much potential in Africa; for example, The tourism industry can use it to provide visitors with information and experiences tailored to their current location. For example, a visitor to a historical site could use location-based AR to view 3D models of the site as it looked in the past or to access information about the site’s history and significance.
The education sector can enhance field trips and educational tours, where students can scan markers placed at historical landmarks, monuments, and museums to access multimedia information and 3D models; this way, students can have a more interactive and immersive experience. Lately, safety has been a significant concern for the public. Location-based AR can provide emergency responders with real-time information about their location, and the location of victims, allowing them to act more quickly and efficiently.
o Projection-based AR- It is another name for the hologram. It is slightly different from other markers, with less AR; you don’t need a mobile device to display content; instead, light projects the digital graphics onto an object or surface to create an interactive experience for the user. Creates 3D objects that can interact with the user using light projection. Projection Based AR creates 3D objects that the user can interact with. It can be used to show a prototype of a mock-up of a new product, even disassembling each port to reveal the inner workings better. The difference between normal AR and projection based is in projection-based, you use other devices to project augmentation; unlike normal AR, where you use mobile devices, it’s still a work in progress for most researchers.
o Outlining AR- recognizes boundaries and lines to help in situations when the human eyes can’t. It uses object recognition to understand a user’s immediate surroundings. Outlining Augmented Reality (AR) uses the device’s camera to detect and track the edges or contours of objects in the real world and then overlays digital content onto those objects. This type of AR is similar to marker-based AR in that it relies on predefined images or markers to trigger the digital content display. Still, it is different in that it uses computer vision and machine learning algorithms to detect and track the edges of objects in the real world rather than predefined markers. Clothing stores, for instance, can use this type of AR to provide customers with information about a product, such as its features, size, and price, by simply pointing their smartphone camera at it. In healthcare, doctors and surgeons can access virtual images of the body and specific parts, providing a more accurate representation of the patient’s body, in transport to assist when driving in low light conditions.
Virtual reality (VR)
Virtual reality is the computer-generated simulation of three-dimensional images or environments that can be interacted with in a seemingly real or physical way using special electronic equipment such as helmets with screens or gloves fitted with sensors. VR is primarily used in gaming but also has applications in other fields, such as education, therapy, and design.
Mixed reality (MR)
Mixed reality is a form of AR involving head-mounted displays (HMD) to display content on top of the real world, blending it into the real world. This technology is used in manufacturing industries to recognize items and in medical fields for education and training.
In conclusion, extended reality technologies have the potential to revolutionize the way we perceive and interact with the world. With technological advancements, these technologies are becoming more accessible and used in various fields such as education, healthcare, retail, and tourism. The future of XR looks very promising, as it has the potential to change the way we live and work in Africa and the rest of the world.
