Rendering Methods for Augmented Reality

Augmented reality (AR) is a fast-growing application of computer graphics. AR systems overlay computer-generated graphics over the real world. The research described in this book puts an emphasis on specialized rendering techniques for AR. In the first part of this book, a new system for medical AR is discussed, which is based on a commercial surgical navigation device. A method for handling occlusion makes it possible to correctly render the occlusion of graphical objects by the anatomy of the patient. The second part of this book introduces the concept of stylized augmented reality, which applies artistic or illustrative stylization methods to AR images. Since the same type of stylization is applied to virtual and real scene elements, they become difficult to distinguish. Algorithms for the cartoon-like and painterly stylization of AR videos are described. In the third part of this book, a novel illustrative visualization method is described. This algorithm for iso-surfaces and polygonal models renders a representation of a surface and structures hidden behind it. An extension of this newly developed illustrative display style was also applied to AR video streams.