UPSC Prelims 2019 Q91: Science & Technology – Computer & Information Technology

UPSC Prelims 2019, General Studies Paper I · Science & Technology

In the context of digital technologies for entertainment, consider the following statements: 1. In Augmented Reality (AR), a simulated environment is created and the physical world is completely shut out. 2. In Virtual Reality (VR), images generated from a computer are projected onto real - life objects or surroundings. 3. AR allows individuals to be present in the world and improves the experience using the camera of smart - phone or PC. 4. VR closes the world, and transposes an individual, providing complete immersion experience. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 and 4
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) 4 only

Answer: (b) 3 and 4

Explanation

AR vs VR: Correct Feature Attribution

Statement	Claim	Verdict	Detail
1	In AR, simulated environment created + physical world shut out	FALSE (swapped)	This describes VR (Virtual Reality), not AR. AR overlays digital content on the real world without shutting it out.
2	In VR, computer images projected onto real-life objects	FALSE (swapped)	This describes AR (Augmented Reality), not VR. VR replaces the world; AR augments it.
3	AR allows individual to be present in the world + enhances via smartphone/PC camera	TRUE	Correct - AR (Pokemon Go, Google Lens, IKEA Place) overlays digital info on real environment via camera.
4	VR closes the world and gives complete immersion	TRUE	Correct - VR (Oculus, HTC Vive) creates a fully immersive digital environment via headsets.

Statements 3 and 4 are correct. Statements 1 and 2 swap AR/VR definitions. Answer: (b) 3 and 4.

Answer: (b) 3 and 4.

Why each option is right or wrong

(a) Incorrect. Statements 1 and 2 swap AR and VR - both wrong.
(b) CORRECT. AR overlays digital content on the real world (S3), and VR provides complete immersion by closing off the real world (S4). Statements 1 and 2 have the definitions swapped.
(c) Incorrect. Statements 1 and 2 are wrong (swapped).
(d) Incorrect. Statement 3 is also correct.

Key point

AR = augments real world with digital overlay (Pokemon Go, Google Lens). VR = replaces real world with fully immersive digital environment (Oculus). MR/XR = spectrum between the two.

Remember

Statements 3 and 4 are correct. Augmented Reality (AR) allows the individual to be present in the real world and enhances the experience via a smartphone/PC camera (Pokemon Go, Google Lens). Virtual Reality (VR) closes off the real world and transposes the individual to a fully immersive digital environment. Statements 1 and 2 have the AR/VR definitions swapped.

Common mistakes

Swapping AR and VR definitions - a common confusion.
Assuming AR needs a headset - most AR works on smartphone cameras.
Not knowing Mixed Reality (MR) and Extended Reality (XR) are hybrid/umbrella terms.

Exam tip

Reality spectrum: Real World -> AR (digital layer on real, real world visible) -> MR (digital + real objects interact) -> VR (fully virtual, real world blocked). Applications: AR in retail, education, navigation; VR in gaming, training, therapy.

Sources

NASSCOM - AR/VR industry reports
IEEE - Definitions of AR, VR, MR, XR

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