Indoor augmented reality based on ultrasound localization systems

Abstract

Augmented reality applications are beginning to reach the general public due to the widespread use of smartphones and tablet devices. Most AR systems require the use of image processing techniques to superimpose the virtual information over the image of the real world. However, this may quickly consume the battery of the user's device. In this paper, we design and implement an AR system for indoor environments that relies on an external ultrasound localization system and on the inertial sensors embedded in the device to estimate the position and orientation of the user. The system was implemented on a tablet device, offers several functionalities, such as visualization of virtual objects and interaction with the virtual view, and aims at providing appropriate accuracy for a satisfactory user experience without the need of using costly vision-based techniques. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2013.