Superpowers in the Metaverse: Augmented Reality Enabled X-Ray Vision in Immersive Environments

This chapter explores the use of augmented reality (AR) enabled X-ray vision (XRV) in immersive environments. AR XRV is the ability to render a virtual object as if it is behind or encapsulated in a real-world object. For example, a user may look at a wall in the real world to see what is inside or behind the wall with the use of augmented reality. Seamlessly merging virtual objects with the real world is challenging as virtual objects in augmented reality are typically rendered in front of the real world causing a depth mismatch. The mismatch in depth does not accurately portray the virtual object in the real world and may lead to perception problems when augmenting the real world with virtual information. This review provides an overview of the existing techniques, applications, and devices that provide XRV in immersive environments and summarizes the current research challenges. The emergent nature of XRV in immersive environments is highlighted emphasizing the need to comprehend the challenges and opportunities of AR-enabled XRV. The overview presented in this chapter will assist researchers in identifying challenges as the technology necessary for XRV within the metaverse emerges as a refined capability and accepted convention.