Mobile collaborative augmented reality: A prototype for industrial training.

Abstract

Augmented Reality (AR) is a powerful user interface paradigm which enhances a user's perception by incorporating computer-generated information into the real world. Mobile computing, typically realized by a wearable computer, allows users to access and manipulate information anytime, regardless of location. Computer supported collaborative work allows the computer to be used as a medium for human communication. The combination of these three technologies, called mobile collaborative augmented reality, promises exciting new applications. Training costs are a considerable part of development expenses in many industries, especially when the customers or employees need to learn to use devices that are expensive and costly to repair. The problem is compounded when the trainers are far from the would-be trainees. This thesis describes a prototype developed for collaborative industrial teletraining, based on mobile collaborative augmented reality. The prototype enables trainees to engage in a real environment and do a training exercise on task performance.