Covert Communication in the Meta Era : Blending Steganography with Augmented Reality and Artificial Intelligence

This book explores how augmented reality (AR) and artificial intelligence (AI) can be combined with security techniques to build interactive and secure applications. Integrating theory with practice, it demonstrates a dual-purpose AR system for object recognition and covert communication, ideal for learners and professionals.

In a world increasingly shaped by intelligent and immersive technologies, augmented reality (AR) and artificial intelligence (AI) are redefining how we interact with digital information. This book explores how these powerful tools can be combined with advanced security techniques to create applications that are not only interactive, but also secure and discreet. Bridging theory and practice, the book provides a comprehensive introduction to AR, AI, steganography, and cryptography, guiding readers through their foundations and real-world applications. It examines the evolution of AR technologies and their distinction from virtual and mixed reality, while also presenting key AI concepts with a focus on object detection using modern models such as YOLOv8. The text further explores the principles of steganography and cryptography, highlighting their roles in protecting sensitive information. These concepts are then brought together in the design and development of a dual-purpose augmented reality application. Using Unity and the Vuforia SDK, alongside a custom-trained AI model, the application demonstrates both object recognition for general users and a covert communication system for secure data exchange. By integrating multiple cutting-edge technologies into a single cohesive framework, this book offers a unique contribution to the field. It is particularly valuable for students, researchers, and professionals seeking practical guidance and innovative approaches to building intelligent, secure AR systems in today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape.