augmented reality describes the application of computer interfaces onto the real world, usually by overlaying objects with computer graphics either through projection or a head-mounted display. popularized by x-ray glasses, this idea has actually had few popular applications because it’s really hard to accurately map the real world with digital information. one of the most sophisticated augmented reality products to date is the veinviewer (above) which captures and projects back an infrared camera image of the body, revealing the location of veins. unlike head-mounted displays, projection directly onto the object makes it possible for multiple people to share the same information and for the patient to better understand what’s happening.