Abstract
Abstract Background The visualization of civil infrastructure systems and processes is critical for the validation and communication of computer generated models to decision-makers. Augmented Reality (AR) visualization blends real-world information with graphical 3D models to create informative composite views that are difficult to create or replicate on the computer alone. Methods This paper presents a scalable and extensible mobile computing framework that allows users to readily create complex outdoor AR visual applications. The technical challenges of building this reusable framework from the software and hardware perspectives are described. Results SMART is a generic and loosely-coupled software computing framework for creating AR visual applications with accurate registration algorithms and visually credible occlusion effects. While SMART is independent of any specific hardware realization, ARMOR is built as a hardware implementation of SMART to test its algorithm correctness and its adaption to engineering applications. In particular, ARMOR is a modular mobile hardware platform designed for user position and orientation tracking, as well as augmented view display. Conclusion The framework has been validated in several case studies, including the visualization of underground utilities for excavator control and collision avoidance to demonstrate SMART’s rapid creation of complex AR visual applications.
Highlights
Augmented Reality (AR) refers to a visualization technology that superimposes virtual objects on the real world so as to provide information beyond reality and enhance people’s interaction with the environment
Contributions: Scalable and modular augmented reality template The mobile computing framework presented in this paper provides a comprehensive hardware and software solution for centimeter-level-accuracy AR applications in the outdoor environment
Results and case study The robustness of Augmented Reality Mobile OpeRation platform (ARMOR) and the Scalable and Modular Augmented Reality Template (SMART) framework have been evaluated in an Augmented Reality application designed to visualize subsurface utilities during ongoing excavation operations for improved context awareness and accident avoidance
Summary
Augmented Reality (AR) refers to a visualization technology that superimposes virtual objects on the real world so as to provide information beyond reality and enhance people’s interaction with the environment. Augmented Reality (AR) visualization blends real-world information with graphical 3D models to create informative composite views that are difficult to create or replicate on the computer alone
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