What is Extended Reality (XR)?Extended reality "is the umbrella term which covers all forms of combined real-and-virtual environments, including augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR) and mixed reality (MR)". (Scott Likens, PwC)
You will likely see this acronym used more and more at QUT to encompass a wide variety of immersive, interactive visual media.
What is Virtual Reality (VR)?Virtual Reality (also referred to as VR) may be described as an experience whereby a person uses a computer or headset to transport them into an alternative world. VR usually refers to interactive environments, where the viewer can move around and change things in the virtual world, but is sometimes used to describe animated 360 videos which are non-interactive.
Refer to the Encyclopedia of Multimedia and watch the below video to learn more.
What is Augmented Reality (AR)?Augmented Reality (also referred to as AR) is a technology that adds digital enhancements to the physical environment.
Probably the most well-known example of AR is the game Pokémon Go, where players use a mobile app to find the virtual creatures at specific physical locations.
The level of interactivity possible with AR varies widely. Some augmentations can only be viewed, others will respond to the user's input or gestures.
Similarly, AR content may be designed for use via a standard smartphone, or with more advanced devices like smartglasses or a headset that still allows users to see their physical environment.
Refer to the Encyclopedia of Multimedia and watch the below video to learn more.
Read about Augmented Reality
Practical Augmented Reality by
The most comprehensive and up-to-date guide to the technologies, applications and human factors considerations of Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) systems and wearable computing devices. Practical Augmented Reality is ideal for practitioners and students concerned with any application, from gaming to medicine. It brings together comprehensive coverage of both theory and practice, emphasizing leading-edge displays, sensors, and DIY tools that are already available commercially or will be soon. Beginning with a Foreword by NASA research scientist Victor Luo, this guide begins by explaining the mechanics of human sight, hearing and touch, showing how these perceptual mechanisms (and their performance ranges) directly dictate the design and use of wearable displays, 3-D audio systems, and tactile/force feedback devices. Steve Aukstakalnis presents revealing case studies of real-world applications from gaming, entertainment, science, engineering, aeronautics and aerospace, defense, medicine, telerobotics, architecture, law enforcement, and geophysics. Readers will find clear, easy-to-understand explanations, photos, and illustrations of devices including the Atheer AiR, HTC Vive, DAQRI Smart Helmet, Oculus (Facebook) CV1, Sony PlayStation VR, Vuzix M300, Google Glass, and many more. Functional diagrams and photographs clearly explain how these devices operate, and link directly to relevant theoretical and practical content. Practical Augmented Reality thoroughly considers the human factors of these systems, including sensory and motor physiology constraints, monocular and binocular depth cues, elements contributing to visually-induced motion sickness and nausea, and vergence-accommodation conflicts. It concludes by assessing both the legal and societal implications of new and emerging AR, VR, and wearable technologies as well as provides a look next generation systems.
Mixed Reality (also referred to as MR) is a technology that uses a combination of both Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality.
In a nutshell, MR allows the viewer to see virtual objects that appear real, accurately mapped into the real world. - Kharis O'Connell (2016) Designing for Mixed Reality. Ch 1, para 4.
Refer to the Encyclopedia of Multimedia and watch the video below to learn more.
What is 360° Video?
360° videos are videos where the user can turn their head (or viewing window) to see the environment in all directions.
This is usually created by 'stitching' together footage shot from multiple cameras pointing out from a single point, like the 360° camera rig at right. 360° video may also be animated.
Generally 360° video is immersive but not interactive; the user cannot move around the environment, only look around from a fixed point.
360° video can be viewed with any headset for an immersive experience, or on any device screen using click-and-drag to look around.
Below are some immersive 3D 'scans' of the QUT libraries. Click around each scan to move to different points in the library, and click on the coloured dots to view extra information about a particular location or service.
VR icon adapted from icon created by Bharat from Noun Project
AR Icon adapted from icon created by Evangeline La from Noun Project
360° Video icon adapted from icon created by Morgan McIlwain from the Noun Project
Umbrella XR Icon adapted from an icon made by Freepik from www.flaticon.com
Go Pro camera rig for 360 video by amy2785 from Pixabay
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