Augmented reality (AR) is a live
direct or indirect view of a physical, real-world environment whose elements
are augmented (or supplemented) by computer-generated sensory input such as
sound, video, graphics or GPS data. It is related to a more general concept
called mediated reality, in which a view of reality is modified (possibly even
diminished rather than augmented) by a computer. As a result, the technology
functions by enhancing one’s current perception of reality. By contrast,
virtual reality replaces the real world with a simulated one. Augmentation is
conventionally in real time and in semantic context with environmental
elements, such as sports scores on TV during a match. 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.