Android Application Programming with OpenCV 3

by Joseph Howse

Android Application Programming with OpenCV 3 is a practical, hands-on guide to computer vision and mobile app development. It shows how to capture, manipulate, and analyze images while building an application that combines photography and augmented reality. To help the reader become a well-rounded developer, the book covers OpenCV (a computer vision library), Android SDK (a mobile app framework), OpenGL ES (a 3D graphics framework), and even JNI (a Java/C++ interoperability layer). Now in its second edition, the book offers thoroughly reviewed code, instructions, and explanations. It is fully updated to support OpenCV 3 and Android 5, as well as earlier versions. Although it focuses on OpenCV's Java bindings, this edition adds an extensive chapter on JNI and C++, so that the reader is well primed to use OpenCV in other environments.

192 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 26, 2015

About the author

Joseph Howse writes fiction, as well as technical books on computer programming and image analysis. He lives in a Nova Scotian fishing village, where he chats with his cats and nurtures an orchard of hardy fruit trees. His debut novel, The Girl in the Water, has won the 2023 Independent Press Award for Literary Fiction, the 2023 IAN Awards for Outstanding Multicultural Fiction, and the 2023 IPPY Awards Bronze Medal for Best Regional Ebook (Fiction). He is currently working on a sequel.

Reviews

[Laura Flavin · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Android Application Programming with OpenCV 3 is a highly practical, technically rich, and thoughtfully structured guide that successfully bridges the worlds of computer vision, Android development, and augmented reality programming. Joseph Howse presents complex topics with clarity and precision, making advanced concepts such as image analysis, OpenCV integration, OpenGL ES rendering, and JNI interoperability feel approachable while still maintaining strong technical depth. The book stands out as both an educational resource and a hands-on development guide for programmers interested in building real-world mobile vision applications.”

“What stood out most was the book’s strong balance between theory and implementation. Rather than simply introducing APIs and frameworks in isolation, the guide walks readers through the process of building functional applications that combine photography, computer vision, and augmented reality into cohesive user experiences. The progression from image capture and manipulation to more advanced topics such as OpenGL ES integration and Java/C++ interoperability creates a learning path that feels both practical and rewarding. I especially appreciated the inclusion of JNI and native C++ development, which gives readers a broader understanding of performance optimization and cross-language integration within Android environments. The explanations remain accessible without oversimplifying the technical material, making the book valuable for both aspiring developers and more experienced programmers exploring OpenCV for mobile applications. Clear, hands-on, and highly informative, Android Application Programming with OpenCV 3 is an excellent resource for anyone interested in the future of mobile computer vision and augmented reality development.”