Chapter 1

What Is Augmented Reality?

Introduction

This chapter introduces the idea of augmented reality (AR) and defines what is meant by the term augmented reality in the context of this book. It also distinguishes augmented reality from other related media and technologies, as well as introduces some terms that will aid in understanding the chapters that follow.

Throughout the entirety of this book, I consider augmented reality to be a medium, as opposed to a technology. By medium, I mean that it mediates ideas between humans and computers, humans and humans, and computers and humans. Of course, implementing augmented reality as a medium requires technology and a clear understanding of that technology. Numerous technologies can be used to ...

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