The augurscope: a mixed reality interface for outdoors

The augurscope is a portable mixed reality interface for outdoors. A tripod-mounted display is wheeled to different locations and rotated and tilted to view a virtual environment that is aligned with the physical background. Video from an onboard camera is embedded into this virtual environment. Our design encompasses physical form, interaction and the combination of a GPS receiver, electronic compass, accelerometer and rotary encoder for tracking. An initial application involves the public exploring a medieval castle from the site of its modern replacement. Analysis of use reveals problems with lighting, movement and relating virtual and physical viewpoints, and shows how environmental factors and physical form affect interaction. We suggest that problems might be accommodated by carefully constructing virtual and physical content. Keywords Mixed reality, augmented reality, virtual reality, mobile and wireless applications, outdoors applications.

• Type: Conference
• Year: 2002
• Where: CHI
• Authors: Holger Schnädelbach, Boriana Koleva, Martin Flintham, Mike Fraser, Shahram Izadi, Paul Chandler, Malcolm Foster, Steve Benford, Chris Greenhalgh, Tom Rodden
• Keywords: CHI 2002, Human Computer Interaction, Keywords Mixed Reality, Portable Mixed Reality, Virtual Reality