Menu
Home
People
Places
Arts
History
Plants & Animals
Science
Life & Culture
Technology
Reference.org
Computer-mediated reality
open-in-new
<p>Computer-mediated reality refers to the ability to add to, subtract information from, or otherwise manipulate one's perception of reality through the use of a <a href="/facts/Wearable_computer/lFFo7LWf">wearable computer</a> or hand-held device such as a smartphone. </p><p>Mediated reality is a proper superset of <a href="/facts/Mixed_reality/DaqNCIPp">mixed reality</a>, <a href="/facts/Augmented_reality/xQk3nd1z">augmented reality</a>, and <a href="/facts/Virtual_reality/0psDGsxT">virtual reality</a>, as it also includes, for example, diminished reality. </p><p>Typically, it is the user's <i>visual</i> perception of the environment that is mediated. This is done through the use of some kind of electronic device, such as an <a href="/facts/EyeTap/rq0FQt9u">EyeTap</a> device or smart phone, which can act as a visual filter between the real world and what the user perceives. Computer-mediated reality has been used to enhance visual perception as an aid to the visually impaired. This example achieves a mediated reality by altering a video input stream light that would have normally reached the user's eyes, and computationally altering it to filter it into a more useful form. It has also been used for interactive computer interfaces. </p><p>The use of computer-mediated reality to <i>diminish</i> perception, by the removal or masking of visual data, has been used for architectural applications, and is an area of ongoing research. </p><p>The long-term effects of altering perceived reality have not been thoroughly studied, and negative side effects of long-term exposure might be possible. Short term effects have been demonstrated with the eyestrain caused by computers. </p>