What are Augmented Reality Tattoos, how do they work, and where can you get one?

Understanding Augmented Reality: According to Wikipedia, Augmented Reality “is a term for a live direct or indirect view of a physical real-world environment whose elements are augmented by virtual computer-generated imagery.” In layman’s terms, this basically means it changes your perception of reality. Augmented Reality combines the physical world with the non-physical—or computer generated.

This technology will change the way we view things forever. From video games to how we read story books, play board games, interact through web cams, and even tattoos. But where did they come from?

Where Augmented Reality Tattoos Originated

ThinkanApp, based out of Buenos Aires, Argentina, was the first to apply augmented reality technology to tattoos. The basic principals are the same.  Take any sort of simple pattern that can be recognized by software with a confined space. In this case it is the square tattooed black box. When you look at the tattoo without the aid of a lense, the tattoo appears to be just a square box. However, when you view the tattoo through a camera lenses, you mix the physical world with a computer generated image, making it appear that a mini dragon is flying on his arm.

Where can you get your own Augmented Tattoo?

Unfortunately, this technology is still so new that there are no augmented reality tattoo studios in the United States. But they will be here soon!

Future of Augmented Tattoos

Although the tattoo and the dragon are not specifically notable for their artwork, what is impressive is the potential augmented reality or holographic art presents.

Imagine being able to walk into a bar where you are surrounded by moving images and characters.  A simple pattern tattooed on your arm—that would be much more appropriate at a job interview—turns into a dancing frog.  Augmented reality tattoos will allow you to showcase your unique tattoo, and perhaps even upload different images or characters depending on the occasion. 

Or perhaps, you could even have Pokémon type battles against other bar goers, gaining points from previous games played or locations visited. It sounds crazy, but the technology is not far off.  Already, there are already augmented reality games created on Facebook. Check out Cannonballz created by Zugara.

This type of technology is still extremely new, but fascinating to see the application potential.

So now the real question is, what kind of Augmented Reality Tattoo would you get?