Augmented Reality for Enterprise Alliance

A Reference for Common Augmented Reality Terminology

Augmented Reality Glossary

The AREA members and staff have compiled the following list of key Augmented Reality terms and their definitions to help enterprises understand what distinguishes AR from other technologies. Our goal is to provide a helpful reference for anyone at any level who is learning about AR-specific tools and concepts.

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Marker

A marker is a two-dimensional or three-dimensional image or model used to identify the real-life object that will be augmented.

Milgram’s Continuum

Augmented Reality is often confused with another technology that relies on software, hardware and content but without the physical world: Virtual Reality. Augmented Reality always involves adding digital information in a manner that’s tightly synchronized with the physical world. In contrast, Virtual Reality is 100% imaginary or “synthetic.”

In 1994 Paul Milgram and Fumio Kishino defined a mixed reality continuum. On one end is the physical world without any digital enhancements and, on the other, the purely digital world (Virtual Reality). Augmented Reality is a form of mixed reality that is closer to the physical world than the purely digital world.

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