Spatial Computing: Technological development progresses inexorably. New abbreviations, acronyms, and terms keep appearing. We explain the 15 most important abbreviations and designations to you in our XR guide. The future is XR because augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) alone are no longer sufficient to cover all scenarios and technologies. The basics and interfaces for this include AI, ML, and VPS.
So far, understood? No? This is not a problem, nor is it surprising because the interpretation debate about the digital future is teeming with acronyms, abbreviations, and many English technical terms.
Spatial Computing: The XR Guide For Beginners: These Are The 15 Most Important Terms
They stand for highly complex systems whose function is challenging to understand. That’s why we explain the most important terms that you should know in our XR guide.
X
XR is the umbrella term for augmented Reality, Virtual Reality, and Mixed Reality and includes all experiences that create new forms of Reality for users.
Augmented Reality (AR)
Augmented Reality allows physical Reality to be “extended” by a digital layer in which 3D objects are added with the correct perspective. To see this augmented reality, transparent data glasses or an appropriately equipped smartphone are usually used.
Virtual Reality (VR)
On the other hand, virtual Reality allows you to immerse yourself in virtual worlds created entirely on the computer. Access is provided by mostly completely shielding data glasses. 360-degree films can also be shown, which enables a complete all-around view.
Mixed Reality (MR)
Mixed Reality is a subcategory of AR. The term itself describes the ability of an AR device – usually a headset such as the Microsoft Hololens – to scan physical space in 3D and place virtual content behind the real one.
This also requires mostly transparent data glasses or a smartphone.
Spatial Computing
This is also a subcategory of AR. It describes the placement of content in space using AR technology. Spatial computing is often combined with “machine vision” and “IoT.”
spatial Audio
Spatial audio, on the other hand, is a subcategory of VR. It describes the placement of audio in space. The technology is used to enable realistic audio imaging in virtual space. To hear these, users usually need a closed headset with audio output.
machine Vision
Machine vision enables computers, AR headsets, and smartphones to use artificial intelligence (AI) to recognize and classify physically visible in our experienced world.
Internet Of Things (IoT)
Behind this term hides the connection of formerly “dumb” devices via the Internet. The light bulb, which you control via your smartphone, is an example here.
Digital Twin
A digital twin is a digital 3D image of a real object for planning, simulations, training, and more. It is used, for example, in medicine, architecture, or mechanical engineering.
Photogrammetry
This technique makes it possible to create a digital 3D model based on many photos of an object.
AR Cloud
The AR cloud is the concept of a world-spanning system that allows virtual content to be stored in an exact location in physical space for an unlimited amount of time. To see the virtual object at this point, the user needs appropriate data glasses or a smartphone.
Visual Positioning System (VPS)
The abbreviation VPS stands for a system that enables smartphones and other devices to determine their position in space with an accuracy of a few centimeters using their camera.
ARCore
The Google counterpart of the augmented reality platform is called AR Core.
Game Engine
A game engine forms the digital working basis for all virtually created or calculated content. The origin lies in game development. Hence the name. However, current applications already go far beyond that. The best-known representatives and systems include Unity and Unreal Engine.
EdgeAI
This term includes devices that can carry out their AI-based processes without connecting to the cloud. The name “Edge” is symbolic of the edge of the infrastructure.
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