Abstract

What is augmented in Augmented Reality (AR)? In this paper, we review existing opinions and show how little consensus exists on this matter. Subsequently, we approach the question from a theoretical and technology-independent perspective. We identify spatial and content-based relationships between the virtual and the real as being decisive for AR and come to the conclusion that virtual content augments that to which it relates. Subsequently, we categorize different forms of AR based on what is augmented. We distinguish between augmented environments, augmented objects, augmented humans and augmented content and consider the possibility of augmented perception. The categories are illustrated with AR (art) works and conceptual differences between them are pointed out. Moreover, we discuss what the real contributes to AR and how it can shape (future) AR experiences. A summary of our findings and suggestions for future research and practice, such as research into multimodal and crossmodal AR, conclude the paper.

Highlights

  • What is augmented in Augmented Reality (AR)? In this paper, we review existing opinions and show how little consensus exists on this matter

  • What is augmented in Augmented Reality (AR)? What forms of augmentation do exist? This paper addresses these questions, discusses what it means to augment something and illustrates the variety of manifestations that AR can take

  • Looking at Wikipedia’s current definition of AR (“Augmented reality”), we again find a different opinion on what is augmented in AR

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Summary

| INTRODUCTION

What is augmented in Augmented Reality (AR)? In this paper, we review existing opinions and show how little consensus exists on this matter. This review reveals many different views on the matter, such as the understanding of AR as augmented perception or as an augmented environment. In existing AR literature, we can find different views on the matter Many argue that it is not reality but the perception of reality that is augmented. 1322): “As an operational definition of Augmented Reality, we take the term to refer to any case in which an otherwise real environment is ‘augmented’ by means of virtual (computer graphic) objects [...]”. As of October 7, 2014, AR is described as “a live, copy, view of a physical, real-world environment whose elements are augmented [...]” (italics added by the authors). Does augmentation refer to the mere addition of virtual content to our (view of the) physical world, does it imply an improvement or enhancement (for example of the world or of our senses) or is it something else entirely?

TWO TAKES ON AUGMENTATION
UNAUGMENTED VERSUS AUGMENTED REALITY
WHAT THE VIRTUAL AUGMENTS
AUGMENTED ENVIRONMENTS
AUGMENTED OBJECTS
AUGMENTED HUMANS
AUGMENTED CONTENT
AUGMENTED PERCEPTION?
MULTIMODAL AR
| CONCLUSION AND FUTURE DIRECTIONS
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