**2.2 Types of augmented reality**

There are different classifications of augmented reality according to various criteria.

**Figure 1.** *Reality-virtuality continuum (adapted from [4]).*

Depending on the hardware devices that users use, there are the following (based on [5]):


Depending on how the objects or scenes from the real world are identified, the augmented reality is divided into:


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*The Immersive Power of Augmented Reality DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.92361*

and embedded virtual content.

specific applications.

campaigns.

**2.3 Augmented reality systems work process**

capture, identification, processing and preview.

**3. Augmented reality: an innovative learning tool**

way learners interact with the objects around them.

is a subject of interest for teachers.

paradigms?

new technologies in education are as follows:

**3.1 Why to use augmented reality in education?**

learning are virtual reality and augmented reality.

There are four main stages in augmented reality systems' functioning [5]: scene

The reality that has to be augmented with digital content is captured by video or optical see-through devices. The captured reality is scanned to determine the position of virtual content that augments it by markers or tracking technologies. When the scene becomes recognized and identified, relevant virtual content is required from different sources. The final step is to create a mixed image of the real scene

Users need the appropriate software to view and interact with digital content that augments the physical world. They can use augmented reality browsers or

Recently, augmented reality is a popular tool used in various fields of business, advertising and tourism. There are many examples of successful augmented realitybased campaigns. Some companies choose this technological approach to increase their sales, attract more customers and guarantee their social presence. Others use augmented reality to create a personal and emotional connection between the products and services they offered and potential and actual customers. Some companies rely on unforgettable authentic experiences that can be offered to consumers through augmented reality applications and subsequent positive results from such

Augmented reality can improve the perception of the surrounding real world with new sensations and perceptions, which is a prerequisite for a better understanding of the physical world [6]. This is of utmost importance for the education sector. Augmented reality makes possible learning in the real world and changes the

Present-day digital learners, on the other hand, are keen to use technologies from their daily lives in the learning process. Like any technology that is able to engage learners' attention and provoke their interest and activity, augmented reality

The main questions that should be asked in an emerging idea of implementing

• How they can be used to support the realization of dominant pedagogical

The concept of immersive learning has become more and more relevant in recent years. Immersive learning is a theory based on the use of technologies and technical tools to create an educational environment, where learners are immersed in new worlds, learn through different perceptions and senses and have first-person experiences [7]. The idea is to place learners in new situations or environments that offer different sensations and experiences and create conditions for more curious and motivating learning. Technologies that help realize the ideas of immersive

• Why to use them and what positive effects can be expected?

*Human 4.0 - From Biology to Cybernetic*

(based on [5]):

physical stores.

Depending on the hardware devices that users use, there are the following

• **Stationary augmented reality systems**. They are equipped with powerful cameras and can provide accurate recognition of objects and scenes from the reality. Examples of stationary systems are the virtual fitting rooms created in

• **Spatial augmented reality systems**. They are also known as video mapping or projection mapping. Spatial systems project virtual content in actual size and proportions directly onto real-world objects. Many companies from automotive industry use such systems to present their new models. On the other side, video mapping show programs are receiving great attention from consumers.

• **Desktop augmented reality systems**. These systems use the device camera to recognize objects or scenes from the reality and embed virtual objects, both displayed on the desktop screen. Many companies use desktop augmented

• **Mobile augmented reality**. This type of augmented reality is extremely popular recently due to the widespread of mobile devices (phones, tablets and hand-held devices). Many mobile augmented reality applications use the global positioning system (GPS) capabilities of the devices to determine users' position and provide and show information that is directly related to their location. The information comes in different formats (text, images, audio and

• **Head-mounted displays**. This group of hardware devices delivers a combined image of the physical world and virtual objects. Depending on the used technology, head-mounted displays can be divided into optical and video see-through devices. The most popular representative of this group of hardware devices is smart glasses.

• **Contact lenses**. They are the future of augmented reality. Although they are still under the development process, Bionic Lens is already being tested.

Depending on how the objects or scenes from the real world are identified, the

• **Vision-based augmented reality**. The augmented reality applications recognize and interpret real-world images, scenes or objects. Vision-based augmented reality can be marker-based or markerless. Marker-based applications use the camera of the device to recognize and interpret markers, usually black and white barcodes. The software analyzes the marker and creates virtual objects that are displayed on the device screen integrated to the recognized real objects. Markerless technology uses real-world objects (photos, objects, scenes, etc.) as targets and the software recognizes them by specific features that

• **Location-based augmented reality**. It is a kind of markerless augmented reality. Applications use the GPS capabilities of the devices to determine their position and provide content that is relevant to the current location of the users-for example, information about hotels, restaurants, museums and others

distinguish them from the surrounding environment.

reality to create virtual fitting rooms in their online stores.

video) and is integrated into the real environment.

augmented reality is divided into:

that are close to the users.

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