Augmented Reality (AR) is a relatively new technology for a live direct or indirect composite view of a physical real-world environment whose elements are merged with (or augmented by) a computer generated view - creating a mixed reality.  The virtual scene generated by the computer is designed to enhance the user's sensory perception of the virtual world they are seeing or interacting with.  Unlike Virtual Reality, augmented reality does not create a simulation of reality.  Instead, it takes a real life object or place and incorporates the technology to add contextual data to deepen an experience or understanding.

Augmented Reality (AR) is a growing area in virtual reality research and is currently being used in military training, gaming, education, engineering design, robotics, medical imaging, manufacturing and other industries.

A few examples of what is being done in the world of AR:

Yahoo 2010 Olympics:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gk8ADxeGHaI

US Postal Service:   recently launched a very nice way to use augmented reality (AR). Their Virtual Box Simulator is unusual in that it offers real utility by allowing users to determine appropriate box size for what they want to ship. Simply print out their eagle logo. Then use your webcam.

Ray-Ban:  Although apparel items of all types can be purchased online, sunglasses are one of those accessories that you really llike to try on to before you buy. Heaven forbit you should look like a geek.  Ray-Ban's Virtual Mirror lets you virtually try on glasses (after a quick bit of face-mapping). The software lets you move your head around to see how the shades look from different angles. Depending on the opacity of the glass, you can even see your eyes through some of the shades.  Great application for the future of retail and on line sales.

Ikea:  have developed an AR application that is a portable interior planning tool.. for those who are are imaginatively challenged.  

• In the application are images of many of the pieces of furniture from the new IKEA PS line. The customer selects the product they are interested in, and then selects "Take a Picture". 
• The customer aims the camera of the phone at the area of their room where the furniture could be placed. The image of the room appears on the phone screen, along with the IKEA furniture. The furniture can be scaled larger or smaller to make it fit better in the scene.
• Once the image is the way the customer wants it, they use the camera to take a picture of the scene.
• If the customer likes the photo, they can either save it on the phone, or send it via MMS directly from within the application

IKEA interior planning tool application is a great example of applying the unique attributes of Augmented Reality to a specific customer situation. They are providing customers with an easy-to-use means to visualize exactly what a piece of furniture would look like in their home.

Atatar iTAgs:  Action figures for the movie AVATAR come with an iTag closed in the packaging.  Hold the iTag  it in front of your computer webcam -after having connected to the website provided with the toy.  You can can then move the iTag around to make the image of the creature or character move.  There are different levels of iTags, most complex level has buttons on the iTag that will navigate the image on your computer.

In the next few weeks I will update you on more applications for AR