Virtual reality (VR) is a computer-generated simulation of a three-dimensional environment that can be interacted with using special equipment, such as a VR headset. Users are fully immersed in the virtual world, and their movements and actions are tracked to create a realistic experience.
Augmented reality (AR) also uses computer-generated simulations, but instead of immersing the user in a completely virtual environment, it overlays digital information on top of the user’s view of the real world. This can be done using a smartphone or tablet camera and a special app, or with specialized AR glasses or headsets. The goal of AR is to enhance or augment the user’s perception of the real world, rather than replace it entirely.
What Are 3 Types of Augmented or Virtual Reality?
- Non-immersive AR: This type of AR does not require the use of any specialized equipment, and often uses a smartphone or tablet camera to overlay digital information on the user’s view of the real world. Examples include QR code scanning apps and Pokemon Go.
- Semi-immersive AR: This type of AR uses specialized equipment, such as AR glasses or headsets, to overlay digital information on the user’s view of the real world. The user is still aware of their surroundings, but the digital information enhances their perception of the environment. Examples include industrial training and maintenance applications.
- Fully-immersive VR: This type of VR uses specialized equipment, such as VR headsets and gloves, to fully immerse the user in a computer-generated environment. The user’s movements and actions are tracked, and they are able to interact with the virtual world in a realistic way. Examples include video games and immersive storytelling experiences.
Non-Immersive AR
Non-immersive AR, also known as marker-based AR, uses a smartphone or tablet camera and a special app to overlay digital information on the user’s view of the real world. This type of AR does not require the use of any specialized equipment such as AR glasses or headsets, and the user is able to access the digital information simply by pointing their device’s camera at a specific image or object, known as a marker.
Examples of non-immersive AR include QR code scanning apps, which allow users to scan codes and receive information about products or services, and mobile games like Pokemon Go, which use the camera to overlay virtual creatures on the user’s view of the real world. Non-immersive AR can also be used in education and training, for example in museum exhibits, where it can be used to provide additional information about the objects on display.
Semi-Immersive AR
Semi-immersive AR, also known as see-through AR, uses specialized equipment, such as AR glasses or headsets, to overlay digital information on the user’s view of the real world. The user is still aware of their surroundings, but the digital information enhances their perception of the environment. The user can still see the real world, but digital information, such as text, images, and 3D models, are overlaid on top of their view.
Examples of semi-immersive AR include industrial training and maintenance applications, where workers can see digital instructions and information overlaid on the machinery they are working on, and medical applications, where doctors can see patient information and medical images overlaid on the patient.
Semi-immersive AR can also be used in gaming and entertainment, for example, in live events, where it can be used to enhance the audience’s experience by providing additional information or interactive elements.
Fully-Immersive VR
Fully-immersive VR, also known as closed-system VR, uses specialized equipment, such as VR headsets and gloves, to fully immerse the user in a computer-generated environment. The user’s movements and actions are tracked, and they are able to interact with the virtual world in a realistic way. The user is completely immersed in the virtual environment and can not see the real world.
Examples of fully-immersive VR include video games and immersive storytelling experiences, where users can explore and interact with virtual worlds, and therapeutic applications, where VR can be used to treat conditions such as anxiety and PTSD.
Fully-immersive VR can also be used in education and training, such as flight simulation, where pilots can practice flying in a realistic virtual environment, and medical training, where surgeons can practice procedures in a virtual environment before performing them on real patients.
