Description: Interactive Augmented Reality refers to digital experiences that combine virtual elements with the physical environment, allowing users to interact with digital content dynamically. Unlike traditional augmented reality, which merely overlays digital information onto the real world, interactive augmented reality enables users to manipulate and modify those virtual elements in real-time. This is achieved through technologies such as sensors, cameras, and input devices that capture user actions and respond to them. The main features of this technology include object recognition, motion tracking, and the integration of 3D graphics into the real environment. The relevance of interactive augmented reality lies in its potential to transform how we interact with information, offering more immersive and personalized experiences across various fields, from education to entertainment and commerce. By allowing a richer and more meaningful interaction with digital content, this technology is changing the way we perceive and relate to the world around us.
History: Interactive Augmented Reality has its roots in the 1960s when Ivan Sutherland developed the first known augmented reality system called ‘The Sword of Damocles’. However, it was in the 1990s that the technology began to evolve significantly, with the development of more accessible and powerful devices. In 1992, Louis Rosenberg created the ‘Virtual Fixtures’ system, which allowed users to interact with virtual objects in a physical environment. Starting in 2009, with the rise of smartphones and tablets, interactive augmented reality became popular, driven by applications that facilitated the creation of interactive experiences.
Uses: Interactive Augmented Reality is used in various fields, including education, where it allows students to interact with 3D models of complex concepts; in retail, where customers can visualize products in their environment before purchasing; and in medicine, where surgeons can overlay vital information onto the patient’s body during procedures. It is also applied in entertainment, offering more immersive gaming experiences, and in advertising, creating interactive campaigns that capture consumer attention.
Examples: An example of Interactive Augmented Reality is the Pokémon GO app, which allows players to capture virtual creatures in the real world using their mobile devices. Another example is applications that enable users to visualize furniture in their home before purchasing, interacting with virtual objects to see how they fit into their space. In the educational field, applications like Google Expeditions allow students to explore historical sites and scientific concepts through interactive experiences.
