Simply put, augmented reality is superimposition of (augmented) computer-generated digital imagery onto real-time video. The augmented images should be relevant to the video content and be in context with it. An example of this might be a head up display in a car which would indicate to you on the windscreen, using an arrow, the entrance to MacDonalds in a busy row of fast food vendors. That is pretty clever, but the real smart part is allowing the computer to figure out where you are, which way you are facing and, through the camera, recognising landmarks and associating them with objects in its database. Several technologies are required to work together here; GPS, an accurate compass (magnetometer), video processing and access to a database. It could conceivably retrieve the lunch menu, or product information and additionally display that on the windscreen. The possibilities are endless, not least to retailers and advertisers, but also tourist information, or any information service that wants to get your attention when you are out and about.

The first place we are going to see this rolled out in anger is in mobile technology and several handset manufacturers are now producing phones and portable devices with compasses built in. I have posted an example of how to do an augmented reality scene in Flash in the workshop.

There are cases where so much of the screen is computer-generated or there is a need to superimpose real-time video on computer generated images. Hence the term augmented virtuality.

Other uses that have been tried for VR are:

• In-store product demos and info
• Kids' books can have come-to-life pop-ups
• sales literature and  business cards
• find other devices and tell you where you've been - keys!