Realityformat

Realityformat is a term used in philosophy, media theory, and digital technology to describe the abstract rules, structures, and parameters that determine how a reality is produced, experienced, or rendered. It covers both the ontological assumptions about what constitutes reality and the technical means by which it is transmitted or simulated. The term is informal, and its precise meaning varies by context.

In cognitive science, realityformat encompasses the sensory inputs, neural processing, and cognitive frameworks that shape perception. In technology, it refers to the data models, rendering pipelines, sensor channels, latency budgets, and interface conventions that govern the fidelity and coherence of an implemented environment, such as a virtual or augmented reality. Different projects may define different realityformats for similar purposes.

Applications include virtual reality and augmented reality deployments, where realityformat is specified to ensure consistent experiences across devices and contexts. In simulation-based training, a defined realityformat helps control the level of realism and interaction. In speculative fiction, realityformat may be imagined as a universal protocol by which civilizations align shared experiences or interface with simulations. While used in some circles, realityformat lacks formal standardization across disciplines.