Facilitating Collaboration with Laser Projector-Based Spatial Augmented Reality in Industrial Applications

Abstract

Spatial Augmented Reality (SAR) superimposes computer generated virtual objects directly on physical objects’ surfaces. This enables user to interact with real world objects in a natural manner. This chapter investigates SAR techniques and summarizes advantages with the difficulties of SAR in presenting digital information to users. The chapter then presents a concept of portable collaborative SAR. The concept utilizes both projector-based SAR and Head-Mounted-Display (HMD) based Augmented Reality (AR) in a single environment to assist collaborations within multiple users. The concept combines advantages of both projector-based SAR for collaboration and HMD-based AR display in personalization to improve the efficiency of collaborative tasks. The presented concept is explored in a case study of industrial quality assurance scenario to show its effectiveness.