Extended Reality

Extended Reality : A brief introduction

What is Extended Reality?

Extended Reality refers to the name given to the set of Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality(VR) and Mixed Reality (MR). It is often abbreviated as XR.

Virtual Reality (VR)

Virtual Reality (VR) is a technology through which we can experience a 360 degree simulation. VR also provides a virtual environment. In this, a headset is fitted on the head of the user. It helps block the vision of the real world and allow only the vision of the video which is playing to provide in depth knowledge. Virtual Reality can be used for various purposes such as:-

• Education
• Military etc

Militarily, these can be used to guide drones to attack military bases of the enemy such as Russia's Boomerang Virtual Reality (VR) headset controlled kamikaze drones.

Fig. 1- VR in Military

Augmented Reality (AR) builds a system through which the digital info and users environment are integrated and  the result is given in real time. Unlike Virtual Reality (VR), AR does not generated a totally artifical environment,  AR generated a real-world experience. 

AR is used to change the natural environment in some way or to provide additional information to the user. One of its benefit is its capactiy to belend digital information, 3D components  and an individuals perception of the real world. 

AR through glasses and smartphone's provides visual elements, sound etc to the user. Each user has a default setting which is changed every time to make it fit to the perception of the user of the real world through the information overlaid on it.

Some applications are:-

• Military: AR can be used to simulate training exercises.
• Games:- Games like Pokémon Go use AR to simulate the games.

Fig. 2- Pokémon Go uses AR

Mixed Reality

Mixed Reality, (MR) is a blend of physical world and the computer generated environment. This reality allows you to manipulate the things you see around you. MR does not remove the real world environment, but instead gives you the opportunity to manipulate the things you see around you. This can be useful for training purposes. These can be used when we need to train the doctors/students about the human heart.

Fig. 3- A descriptive pic for Mixed Reality.

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Thank You
Aniruddha K.P.

References:-
(1) Wikipedia
(2)Youtube
(3)Techviz (Fig. 1 + content)
(4)Pokémon Go (Fig. 2)
(5) Youtube
(6) Microsoft
(7) Simplilearn (Fig. 3 + content)