One of the most intriguing capabilities envisioned for augmented reality (AR) systems is the notion of X-ray vision, or the ability to virtually see through one surface to what in reality is hidden from view. Many AR systems have been premised on this feature for the primary value provided by the application. Furness pioneering work on head-up displays for pilots was motivated in large part by the ability to virtually see through the solid cockpit walls and floor to a virtual copy of the real world hidden by the aircraft infrastructure. The ultrasound AR system provided the ability to understand the data acquired by the ultrasound probe from inside the body; to do this requires a metaphor that ensures the user will understand the data to reside behind the visible skin surface, and in fact this was a problem noted early in the development of the system. We believe that the metaphor X-ray vision was first applied to this work.
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