An augmented reality-based application for equipment maintenance

Abstract

Augmented Reality (AR) is a technology that merges real-world images with computer-generated virtual objects, superimposes the virtual objects upon the real world, and exhibits them in the view of the users. Mechanical maintenance and repair tasks in industrial environments are prospective domains for AR applications. In this paper a prototype of AR system for training and assisting in maintaining equipment (PC) is presented. The key hardware feature of the system is a binocular video see-through Head Mounted Display (HMD), which presents the augmented reality to the users; the tracking system, which gives the position and orientation of equipment using ARToolKit; and a laptop PC for the platform of the whole application. The design and architecture of this system is described. Experimental results are finally presented. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2005.