WHAT IS DIMINISHING REALITY?

Although the majority credit is being given to Virtual and Augmented Reality one of the most least spotlight given type of digital environment is Diminished reality. This is defined as a new form of computer aided reality that aims to remove, conceal, and eliminate objects as well as even individuals from a picture or a video. Additionally, there is a feature of replacing information with convincing background and 3D objects. There is a major difference between Augmented and Diminishing Reality. Augmented Reality aims to create a virtual environment that stimulates the sensory perception in the same manner as done in the real world whereas DR aims at removing or correcting issues in the virtual world.

Mainly, there are two main categories of DR: Observational and See-Through. Observational DR uses pre-captured or existing images/video of a background scene. Then, new physical items are incorporated into the space of the background images to rectify issues in the 3D design or a new alternative system for background can be developed to can be used as a reference for obtaining background information obstructed by the new objects. See-through is a method attempts to paint over objects using texture and patch information from the source image itself. Another feature is that it can be used to visually see the internal materialization which engineers use to assess the mechanical operations.

There are 4 major Functions that must be highlighted to understand Diminishing reality:

 

• Diminish
• See through 
• Replace 
• In-painting

 

Diminish

Certain visual elements can be reduced or lessened for a specific purpose. Most common application found is for people have a certain deficiency in determining colors due to problems in their color recognition receptors. This is attained through programmed medication of light rays entering through the head mounted display or screen.

See through

Obstructed or disrupted background objects can be viewed through alteration of light rays of the concealed element with previous light rays of the obstructed background images making them visible. Furthermore, the background image can be overlaid Infront of the blocked image, this procedure is done by google street view when placing locations and to hide identify of bystanders.

Replace

The flawed images and videos are replaced with the same size image and clip as like augmented reality. The light rays of the real object are blocked by the rays of the superimposed virtual object. This allows an opportunity to personalize the background images according to consumer preferences.

In-painting 

This is a see -through concept and possible creation of related background images through multiple combinations of pixels and parts of surrounding environment. The only limitation to this feature is that they may be some hints of inaccuracy.

 The applications of Diminishing reality:

Although the popularity of Diminishing Reality is limited there are some fields where DR is being applied. These are:

• Photography and videography
• Urban Design and Planning
• Film production 
• Business

 

Photography and videography

As many there are uncountable moments being captured by photographers, the probability of recapturing that moment is very minimal. Hence DR aims at removing inconsistences in images and video to enhance the overall experience. Unwanted items are removed and clips that are damaged can be restored to a certain extent.

Urban design and Planning

Urban designing is a vital component of development as well as construction. To assess the area required, material forecasting capacity and number of manual labors is determined in planning when building. The aid of 3D technology has enabled architectures to carefully evaluate the hazards as well as possible alternatives of the conditions required.

Film Production

The DR is being used for removal of props and stuntman during the production of films to makes it more entertaining and realistic to the audience.

Business

Many businesses after the COVID-19 period have shifted to e-business making the product specifications a vital aspect in purchase other than price. With Diminishing Reality tangible products can be clearly assessed for their value. Especially in case of products like furniture and automobiles. Ikea and Airbnb have been using DR to attract a huge customer segment and their sales have risen by 12.4 %.

In conclusion   Diminishing Reality is a very useful tool in modification of background information in entertainment as well as e-commerce business but due to the costly aspect and further acceptance regarding installation in smart devices by the audience, it will take time for DR to reach the same caliber as of Augmented and Virtual Reality.