Mainstreaming Augmented Reality

By Kirk L. Kroeker

Advancements in computer vision, object recognition, and related technologies are leading to new levels of sophistication in augmented-reality applications and presenting new ways for humans to relate to the natural world.

Since the emergence of the first augmented-reality applications 20 years ago, the field has drawn a great deal of interest and enthusiasm, not only from researchers working in computer science at the cutting edge of graphics technologies, but also from leaders in aerospace, medicine, the military, and a wide range of other industries and government sectors. In augmented reality (AR), a real-world setting or set of objects is augmented by a computer-generated overlay. Advancements in computer vision, object recognition, and related technologies are increasing the level of sophistication of that overlay, and presenting entirely new ways for humans to relate to the natural world.

(This article appeared in CACM, vol. 53, no. 7, July 2010, pp. 16-18.)

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