AbstractsComputer Science

Prototype of an Augmented Reality User Manual App

by Fredrik Palm




Institution: Linköping University
Department:
Year: 2014
Keywords: augmented reality; AR; Natural Sciences; Computer and Information Science; Computer Engineering; Naturvetenskap; Data- och informationsvetenskap; Datorteknik; Examensarbete i Datorteknik; Computer Engineering
Record ID: 1370354
Full text PDF: http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:liu:diva-110210


Abstract

This thesis describes how augmented reality can be used when developing an instructional application. After studying augmented reality apps and papers, a prototype for mobile devices was developed to discover the possibilities that augmented reality offers and show how issues inherent to the technology can be solved. The app was developed with usability in mind, with consideration for how well suited each feature was for augmented reality. Our results show that it is possible to use augmented reality in instructional apps, but that there are issues to consider when working with augmented reality. Among others, we discuss how to deal with the three dimensionality of the interface, augmented reality's physical requirements, and the quality of the tracking that aligns the interface with the real world. Augmented reality also enables plenty of new functionality for apps, like the ability to use physical movement as input and to essentially bind information to a real, physical place. The app was tested and built for an advanced machine. We built guides that use animated instructions to teach the user how to complete a task. There is also an information view that displays details about parts of the machine and an overview that helps the user find parts. We also took efforts to generalize the process, so that the app can be adjusted to suit a variety of products.