Augmented Virtuality

For the first time, the concept of augmented virtuality is found in the work of P. Milgram and F. Kisino "Classification of visual displays of mixed reality" ^[1] . The authors include augmented reality in the Continuum of reality-virtuality, which is a combination of various types of reality from particular to its complete opposite - virtuality .

The theory of augmented virtuality was first embodied in the Windows on the World project (Windows on the World, 1997 ^[2] ), based on the DIVE virtual multi-user Internet system. The program could, by moving the robot around real space, send updates of given objects to a virtual terrain model. Using a virtual model made it possible to tour the remote space. Using this application, the user took into account the information obtained by the robot, while independently analyzing it and making decisions. The creators of the application suggested that the program would be most useful to security organizations. Further research on the possibilities of augmented virtuality showed that it can be most widely applied in the field of construction and interpersonal communication. Projects such as “Augmented Virtual Studio for Architectural Research” (Augmented Virtual Studio for Architectural Exploration ^[3] Faculty of Computer Science, University of Münster, 2009) or “3D Virtual Environment for Architectural Collaboration” (A Layer-based 3D Virtual Environment for Architectural Collaboration ^[4] , Susanne Schmidt, Gerd Bruder, Frank Steinicke, 2015) are aimed at improving the design of buildings. The latter program can also be used to promote products.

Various users and specialists with different levels of knowledge are involved in the architectural design process. Architects, engineers, investors , end users and others participate in the creation and implementation of the project. Effective architectural design is only possible when all parties involved have a common understanding of architectural models and their specific problems. Understanding of two-dimensional drawings is within the power of professionals, while other people can hardly interpret schemes. At this stage, programs based on a virtual reality system can come to the rescue. The immersive virtual environment provides a universal platform for communication and the exchange of proposals for architectural design, and has great potential to improve the study and design of architectural models using traditional and analog media. Immersive research of three-dimensional architectural scenes provides an opportunity for all users, regardless of knowledge in the field, to have a complete picture of the project. The authors of the project “Augmented Virtual Studio for Architectural Exploration” ^[3] suggested exploring virtual space using a virtual reality helmet . Thanks to virtual reality immersion systems (CAVE), users can explore virtual scenes from a realistic point of view, having freedom of movement. The solution to the problem of working on an architectural project is shown in A Layer-based 3D Virtual Environment for Architectural Collaboration ^[4] , 2015. The creators propose the use of a virtual environment into which users can immerse themselves for a joint study of architectural models. Thanks to the method of visualization, based on the combination of layers, the program heaps up on each other two-dimensional drawings of floors, giving the impression of a three-dimensional plan with the virtual absence of the use of 3D technology. The user interface of the program uses two representations of the same building. Such an interface allows the architect to indicate the points of interest of the project on the 3D map of the project, while other users can study this area in a two-dimensional drawing. In this installation, a virtual building is shown on two separate walls of an L-shaped design system.

Augmented virtuality is able to connect remote from each other communication participants in one virtual space, simulating a real meeting. Such a solution was proposed in the article “Using Augmented Virtuality for Remote Communication ^[5] ”, 2004. The authors created a program that worked on cAR / PE! Video conferencing systems. The video streams of three participants, located at different edges of the virtual table, were integrated into the virtual environment. Also in the virtual space there was a large screen for presentations of applications and two-dimensional objects; in addition, three-dimensional geometric objects were located in the virtual room and on the table. The program was tested and confirmed its effectiveness and ease of communication, the possibility of use for commercial and advertising purposes.

American researchers have proposed using augmented virtuality for training, as well as to prevent injuries to workers at hazardous construction sites. The SAVES program (“SAVES: a safety training augmented virtuality environment for construction hazard recognition and severity identification ^[6] ”, 2013) is an information model of the building with photographs and typical energy sources on the site. Within the virtual environment, the user can interact with it and perform many instructions and tasks on the curriculum. This includes the detection of ten types of hazards and / or energy sources at three levels of difficulty. The energy sources, which are presented in 3D and 2D images in SAVES, are designed to increase user awareness of the dangers of a particular object, as well as to analyze and determine their severity level.

Cinema

An example of augmented virtuality can be seen in the movie Spy Kids 3: Game Over . Almost all the action of the film takes place in the virtual environment of a computer game, in which the main characters are placed using special technologies.

Also a good example is the Japanese anime series " Sword Art Online ", whose main events take place in 2022 in augmented (even closer to full) virtual reality. Users complete the first online game with full immersion technology. Periodically, during the series, the concept of the operation of this complex system is slightly explained. Surprisingly, the events of this series (or rather the concept of creating games with full immersion technology) may well begin to blossom just in a couple of three years.

Computer Games

Several popular games were released based on augmented virtuality: Half-Life 2 , Team Fortress 2 , Mirror's Edge , War Thunder , Star Conflict , Il-2 Battle for Stalingrad attack aircraft, Euro Truck Simulator 2 , Minecraft , Live For Speed and others. The games are powered by Oculus Rift virtual reality glasses .

• Augmented Reality
• Mixed reality