Chapter 1. Introduction to Augmented Reality

Virtual reality is becoming increasingly popular, as computer graphics have progressed to a point where the images are often indistinguishable from the real world. However, the computer-generated images presented in games, movies, and other media are detached from our physical surroundings. This is both a virtue—everything becomes possible—and a limitation.

The limitation comes from the main interest we have in our daily life, which is not directed toward some virtual world, but rather toward the real world surrounding us. Smartphones and other mobile devices provide access to a vast amount of information, anytime and anywhere. However, this information is generally disconnected from the real world. ...

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