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In this paper, we propose AR Pointer, a new augmented reality (AR) interface that allows users to manipulate three-dimensional (3D) virtual objects in AR environment. AR Pointer uses a built-in 6-degrees of freedom (DoF) inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensor in an off-the-shelf mobile device to cast a virtual ray that is used to accurately select objects. It is also implemented using simple touch gestures commonly used in smartphones for 3D object manipulation, so users can easily manipulate 3D virtual objects using the AR Pointer, without a long training period. To demonstrate the usefulness of AR Pointer, we introduce two use-cases, constructing an AR furniture layout and AR education. Then, we conducted two experiments, performance tests and usability tests, to represent the excellence of the designed interaction methods using AR Pointer. We found that AR Pointer is more efficient than other interfaces, achieving 39.4% faster task completion time in the object manipulation. In addition, the participants gave an average of 8.61 points (13.4%) on the AR Pointer in the usability test conducted through the system usability scale (SUS) questionnaires and 8.51 points (15.1%) on the AR Pointer in the fatigue test conducted through the NASA task load index (NASA-TLX) questionnaire. Previous AR applications have been implemented in a passive AR environment where users simply check and pop up the AR objects those are prepared in advance. However, if AR Pointer is used for AR object manipulation, it is possible to provide an immersive AR environment for the user who want/wish to actively interact with the AR objects.

Developing innovative and pervasive smart technologies that provide medical support and improve the welfare of the elderly has become increasingly important as populations age. Elderly people frequently experience incidents of discomfort in their daily lives, including the deterioration of cognitive and memory abilities. To provide auxiliary functions and ensure the safety of the elderly in daily living situations, we propose a projection-based augmented reality (PAR) system equipped with a deep-learning module. In this study, we propose three-dimensional space reconstruction of a pervasive PAR space for the elderly. In addition, we propose the application of a deep-learning module to lay the foundation for contextual awareness. Performance experiments were conducted for grafting the deep-learning framework (pose estimation, face recognition, and object detection) onto the PAR technology through the proposed hardware for verification of execution possibility, real-time execution, and applicability. The precision of the face pose is particularly high by pose estimation; it is used to determine an abnormal user state. For face recognition results of whole class, the average detection rate (DR) was 74.84% and the precision was 78.72%. However, for face occlusions, the average DR was 46.83%. It was confirmed that the face recognition can be performed properly if the face occlusion situation is not frequent. By object detection experiment results, the DR increased as the distance from the system decreased for a small object. For a large object, the miss rate increased when the distance between the object and the system decreased. Scenarios for supporting the elderly, who experience degradation in movement and cognitive functions, were designed and realized, constructed using the proposed platform. In addition, several user interfaces (UI) were implemented according to the scenarios regardless of distance between users and the proposed system. In this study, we developed a bidirectional PAR system that provides the relevant information by understanding the user environment and action intentions instead of a unidirectional PAR system for simple information provision. We present a discussion of the possibility of care systems for the elderly through the fusion of PAR and deep-learning frameworks. Appl. Sci. 2019, 9, 3897 2 of 22 were usually attended to by their families; however, they are currently forced to lead independent lives [2]. There has been increasing interest in social welfare and medical support owing to the increasing aging rate. The social government is increasing social welfare and medical benefits to support elderly self-sustenance; however, most elderly people attend to various problems in their daily life on them own. Moreover, various diseases as well as physical and mental deterioration can occur with aging [3]. Muscle weakness is a representative example of physical deterioration. Muscle strength of people in their 60's decreases to approximately one half of that in their 20s, resulting in sign...

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