Approaches to augmenting virtual design environments with reality

Abstract

This book chapter presents a review of Augmented Virtuality (AV) work and different approaches to realise an AV system for remote design collaboration. Using one of the presented approaches, this chapter also describes an Augmented Virtuality-based virtual space for remote collaboration and inspection. The system allows several participants at different locations to collaborate in an augmented virtual environment simulating a traditional meeting. The general concept, application scenario, prototype implementation, and the use of the AV system in its current state are described in details. This system has the advantage of constructing a virtual environment that incorporates relevant data of the real world into a virtual environment. © 2009 Springer Netherlands.