A scale model of mixed reality

Augmented Reality (AR) is becoming more interesting to a variety of research communities beyond the small group of researchers that have traditionally studied AR technology. From its earliest years, AR has been presented as a subset of Mixed Reality (MR), and both have been conceived of in terms of the technologies they use. However, while the definition of AR has been fixed for a number of years, MR is much more ambiguous. Through a re-examination of the accepted definition of AR, we derive a new definition of MR that centers on human experience rather than technology. Then, through discussion of a number of paradigmatic examples that fit this new definition, we generate a classification system for MR experiences based on the concept of spatial scale and its associated cognitive processes. Finally, we discuss how this new "scale model" of MR helps to identify key concepts that can be used in the design process of future MR experiences.