Confluence of Computer Vision and Interactive Graphies for Augmented Reality

Abstract

Augmented reality (AR) is a technology in which a user's view of the real world is enhanced or augmented with additional information generated from a computer model. Using AR technology, users can interact with a combination of real and virtual objects in a natural way. This paradigm constitutes the core of a very promising new technology for many applications. However, before it can be applied successfully, AR has to fulfill very strong requirements including precise calibration, registration and tracking of sensors and objects in the scene, as well as a detailed overall understanding of the scene. We see computer-vision and image-processing technology playing an increasing role in acquiring appropriate sensor and scene models. To balance robustness with automation, we integrate automatic image analysis with both interactive user assistance and input from magnetic trackers and CAD models. Also, in order to meet the requirements of the emerging global information society, future human-computer interaction will be highly collaborative and distributed. We thus conduct research pertaining to distributed and collaborative use of AR technology. We have demonstrated our work in several prototype applications, such as collaborative interior design and collaborative mechanical repair. This paper describes our approach to AR with examples from applications, as well as describing the underlying technology.

Augmented Reality Video Games: New Possibilities and Implications for Children and Adolescents

“…While traditional (non-augmented reality) video games often place the user in a first-person view of a virtual world [4], ARGs allow users to see and interact with enhanced images of real-world environments [3]. The first outdoor ARG with easily portable devices, ARQuake, was developed in 2000 by Bruce Thomas from Wearable Computer Lab [3].…”

First Person Indoor/Outdoor Augmented Reality Application: ARQuake

“…Many current applications place the user in a first-person perspective view of a virtual world [1], such as games, architectural design viewers [2], geographic information systems and medical applications [3,4]. In this paper, we describe a project to move these forms of applications outdoors, displaying their relevant information by augmenting reality.…”

Automated camera calibration and 3D egomotion estimation for augmented reality applications

“…This is accomplished by an an initial calibration of the real camera and a dynamic update of its external parameters. From the vision point of view, this is one of the most challenging technical problems that needs to be addressed in order to produce a useful and convincing video-based augmented reality system ( [10]). …”