AR EVOLUTION - SEM 605 / MAPC 611

DEFINITIONS

VIRTUAL REALITY
A computer-generated reality that projects the user into a 3D space. Using a stereoscopic headset that provides a completely immersive experience, the virtual reality (VR) system is operated by the user’s head and hand movements or a physical control unit, the latter commonly used with virtual reality games. In the early days of VR, data gloves tethered by wires to a computer were used to track hand gestures.

AUGMENTED REALITY
(1) A recent evolution of the term, augmented reality (AR) can refer to any alteration made to an image or video. For example, adding eyeglasses, a mustache or a different hair style to a person’s face may be called AR.
(2) The combination of real and computer-generated images in real time. In augmented reality (AR), digital images or video are superimposed onto the real world. In contrast, headset-based virtual reality is entirely immersive, and viewers are stationary to avoid bumping into furniture.

AUGMENTED VIRTUALITY
Computer-generated imagery that can be manipulated by the user. For example, using a touchscreen, people can design their own kitchen or bathroom by selecting and moving virtual appliances and fixtures around a digitally created room. In a gaming environment, augmented virtuality implies that real objects, even the gamers themselves, can be projected into and participate in a virtual world.

EXPANDED/EXTENDED/MIXED REALITY
A type of augmented reality that combines fantasy with the real world. For example, whereas augmented reality (AR) goggles might display email or text messages, mixed reality can simulate total fiction such as a 3D game. In addition, the simulated objects can interact with the environment, such as a ball bouncing off the wall or new furniture rearranged in the room. Unlike totally immersive virtual reality (VR) goggles, which require wearers to remain reasonably stationary, mixed reality and augmented reality users navigate their physical environment just like someone wearing eye glasses. The terms mixed and augmented reality are sometimes used synonymously.