The term
augmented reality was thought to be coined in the e
arly nineties by Thomas Caudell, at the time senior principal scientist at the computer services division of Boeing. The verb augment refers to the action of adding to something in order to make it more substantial. It derives from the Latin augere meaning 'to increase'. The computer science world’s definition of
augmented reality (
AR) is: the interaction of superimposed graphics, audio and other sense enhancements over a real-world environment that’s displayed in real-time. It is related to a more general concept called mediated
reality. In fundamental terms, the expression refers to a simple combination of real and virtual (computer-generated) worlds. Given a real subject, captured on video or camera, the technology 'augments' (= adds to) that real-world image with extra layers of digital information such as sound, video, graphics or GPS data. As a result, the technology functions by enhancing one’s current perception of
reality. Augmentation is conventionally in real-time and in semantic context with environmental elements. With the help of advanced
AR technology (e.g. adding computer vision and object recognition) the information about the surrounding real world of the user becomes interactive and digitally manipulable.
Learn more in:
Expanded Cultural Heritage Representation: Digital Applications for Mixed-Reality Experiences