Augmented Reality in Tourism - Research and Applications Overview
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paper_title: Experiments with Multi-modal Interfaces in a Context-Aware City Guide

paper_content:

In recent years there has been considerable research into the development of mobile context-aware applications. The canonical example of such an application is the context-aware tour-guide that offers city visitors information tailored to their preferences and environment. The nature of the user interface for these applications is critical to their success. Moreover, the user interface and the nature and modality of information presented to the user impacts on many aspects of the system’s overall requirements, such as screen size and network provision. Current prototypes have used a range of different interfaces developed in a largely ad-hoc fashion and there has been no systematic exploration of user preferences for information modality in mobile context-aware applications. In this paper we describe a series of experiments with multi-modal interfaces for context-aware city guides. The experiments build on our earlier research into the GUIDE system and include a series of field trials involving members of the general public. We report on the results of these experiments and extract design guidelines for the developers of future mobile context-aware applications.
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paper_title: [Computer-assisted intraoperative visualization of dental implants. Augmented reality in medicine].

paper_content:

Abstract In this paper, a recently developed computer-based dental implant positioning system with an image-to-tissue interface is presented. On a computer monitor or in a head-up display, planned implant positions and the implant drill are graphically superimposed on the patient's anatomy. Electromagnetic 3D sensors track all skull and jaw movements; their signal feedback to the workstation induces permanent real-time updating of the virtual graphics' position. An experimental study and a clinical case demonstrates the concept of the augmented reality environment--the physician can see the operating field and superimposed virtual structures, such as dental implants and surgical instruments, without loosing visual control of the operating field. Therefore, the operation system allows visualization of CT planned implantposition and the implementation of important anatomical structures. The presented method for the first time links preoperatively acquired radiologic data, planned implant location and intraoperative navigation assistance for orthotopic positioning of dental implants.
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paper_title: A Survey of Augmented Reality

paper_content:

This survey summarizes almost 50 years of research and development in the field of Augmented Reality AR. From early research in the1960's until widespread availability by the 2010's there has been steady progress towards the goal of being able to seamlessly combine real and virtual worlds. We provide an overview of the common definitions of AR, and show how AR fits into taxonomies of other related technologies. A history of important milestones in Augmented Reality is followed by sections on the key enabling technologies of tracking, display and input devices. We also review design guidelines and provide some examples of successful AR applications. Finally, we conclude with a summary of directions for future work and a review of some of the areas that are currently being researched.
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paper_title: A head-mounted operating binocular for augmented reality visualization in medicine - design and initial evaluation

paper_content:

Computer-aided surgery (CAS), the intraoperative application of biomedical visualization techniques, appears to be one of the most promising fields of application for augmented reality (AR), the display of additional computer-generated graphics over a real-world scene. Typically a device such as a head-mounted display (HMD) is used for AR. However, considerable technical problems connected with AR have limited the intraoperative application of HMDs up to now. One of the difficulties in using HMDs is the requirement for a common optical focal plane for both the realworld scene and the computer-generated image, and acceptance of the HMD by the user in a surgical environment. In order to increase the clinical acceptance of AR, we have adapted the Varioscope (Life Optics, Vienna), a miniature, cost-effective head-mounted operating binocular, for AR. In this paper, we present the basic design of the modified HMD, and the method and results of an extensive laboratory study for photogrammetric calibration of the Varioscope's computer displays to a real-world scene. In a series of 16 calibrations with varying zoom factors and object distances, mean calibration error was found to be 1.24 /spl plusmn/ 0.38 pixels or 0.12 /spl plusmn/ 0.05 mm for a 640 /spl times/ 480 display. Maximum error accounted for 3.33 /spl plusmn/ 1.04 pixels or 0.33 /spl plusmn/ 0.12 mm. The location of a position measurement probe of an optical tracking system was transformed to the display with an error of less than 1 mm in the real world in 56% of all cases. For the remaining cases, error was below 2 mm. We conclude that the accuracy achieved in our experiments is sufficient for a wide range of CAS applications.
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paper_title: Augmented reality: an application of heads-up display technology to manual manufacturing processes

paper_content:

The authors describe the design and prototyping steps they have taken toward the implementation of a heads-up, see-through, head-mounted display (HUDset). Combined with head position sensing and a real world registration system, this technology allows a computer-produced diagram to be superimposed and stabilized on a specific position on a real-world object. Successful development of the HUDset technology will enable cost reductions and efficiency improvements in many of the human-involved operations in aircraft manufacturing, by eliminating templates, formboard diagrams, and other masking devices. >
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paper_title: Telegeoinformatics: Location-based Computing and Services

paper_content:

THEORIES AND TECHNOLOGIES Telegeoinformatics: Current Trends and Future Direction Introduction Architecture Internet-Based GIS Spatial Databases Intelligent Query Analyzer (IQA) Predictive Computing Adaptation Final Remarks References Remote Sensing Introductory Concepts Remote Sensing Systems Imaging Characteristics of Remote Sensing Systems Active Microwave Remote Sensing Extraction of Thematic Information from Remotely Sensed Imagery Extraction of Metric Information from Remotely Sensed Imagery Remote Sensing in Telegeoinformatics References Positioning and Tracking Approaches and Technologies Introduction Global Positioning System Positioning Methods Based on Cellular Networks Other Positioning and Tracking Techniques: An Overview Hybrid Systems Summary References Wireless Communications Introduction Overview of Wireless Systems Radio Propagation and Physical Layer Issues Medium Access in Wireless Networks Network Planning, Design and Deployment Wireless Network Operations Conclusions and the Future References INTEGRATED DATA AND TECHNOLOGIES Chapter Five: Location-Based Computing Introduction LBC Infrastructure Location-Based Interoperability Location-Based Data Management Adaptive Location-Based Computing Location-Based Routing as Adaptive LBC Concluding Remarks References Location-Based Services Introduction Types of Location-Based Services What is Unique About Location-Based Services? Enabling Technologies Market for Location-Based Services Importance of Architecture and Standards Example Location-Based Services: J-Phone J-Navi (Japan) Conclusions References Wearable Tele-Informatic Systems for Personal Imaging Introduction Humanistic Intelligence as a Basis for Intelligent Image Processing Humanistic Intelligence 'WEARCOMP' as a Means of Realizing Humanistic Intelligence Where on the Body Should a Visual Tele-Informatic Device be Placed? Telepointer: Wearable Hands-Free Completely Self Contained Visual Augmented Reality Without Headwear and Without any Infrastructural Reliance Portable Personal Pulse Doppler Radar Vision System When Both the Camera and Display are Headword: Personal Imaging and Mediated Reality Personal Imaging for Location-Based Services Reality Window Manager (RWM) Personal Telegeoinformatics: Blocking Spam with a Photonic Filter Conclusion References Mobile Augmented Reality Introduction MARS: Promises, Applications, and Challenges Components and Requirements MARS UI Concepts Conclusions Acknowledgements References APPLICATIONS Emergency Response Systems Overview of Emergency Response Systems State-of-the-Art ERSs Examples of Developing ERSs for Earthquakes and Other Disasters Future Aspects of Emergency Response Systems Concluding Remarks References Location-Based Computing for Infrastructure Field Tasks Introduction LBC-Infra Concept Technological Components of LBC-Infra General Requirements of LBC-Infra Interaction Patterns and Framework of LBC-Infra Prototype System and Case Study Conclusions References The Role of Telegeoinformatics in ITS Introduction to Intelligent Tranaportation Systems Telegeoinformatics Within ITS The Role of Positioning Systems In ITS Geospatial Data for ITS Communication Systems in ITS ITS-Telegeoinformatics Applications Non-Technical Issues Impacting on ITS Concluding Remarks Remarks The Impact and Penetration of Location-Based Services The Definition of Technologies LBSs: Definitions, Software, and Usage The Market for LBSs: A Model of the Development of LBSs Penetration of Mobile Devices: Predictions of Future Markets Impacts of LBSs on Geographical Locations Conclusions References
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paper_title: Robot programming using augmented reality: An interactive method for planning collision-free paths

paper_content:

Current robot programming approaches lack the intuitiveness required for quick and simple applications. As new robotic applications are being identified, there is a greater need to be able to programme robots safely and quickly. This paper discusses the use of an augmented reality (AR) environment for facilitating intuitive robot programming, and presents a novel methodology for planning collision-free paths for an n-d.o.f. (degree-of-freedom) manipulator in a 3D AR environment. The methodology is interactive because the human is involved in defining the free space or collision-free volume (CFV), and selecting the start and goal configurations. The methodology uses a heuristic beam search algorithm to generate the paths. A number of possible scenarios are discussed.
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paper_title: Using Augmented Reality to Visualise Architecture Designs In An Outdoor Environment

paper_content:

This paper presents the use of a wearable computer system to visualise outdoor architectural features using augmented reality. The paper examines the question How does one visualise a design for a building, modification to a building, or extension to an existing building relative to its physical surroundings? The solution presented to this problem is to use a mobile augmented reality platform to visualise the design in spatial context of its final physical surroundings. The paper describes the mobile augmented reality platform TINMITH2 used in the investigation. The operation of the system is described through a detailed example of the system in operation. The system was used to visualise a simple extension to a building on one of the University of South Australia campuses.
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paper_title: Augmented reality systems for medical applications

paper_content:

Augmented reality (AR) is a technology in which a computer-generated image is superimposed onto the user's vision of the real world, giving the user additional information generated from the computer model. This technology is different from virtual reality, in which the user is immersed in a virtual world generated by the computer. Rather, the AR system brings the computer into the "world" of the user by augmenting the real environment with virtual objects. Using an AR system, the user's view of the real world is enhanced. This enhancement may be in the form of labels, 3D rendered models, or shaded modifications. In this article, the authors review some of the research involving AR systems, basic system configurations, image-registration approaches, and technical problems involved with AR technology. They also touch upon the requirements for an interventive AR system, which can help guide surgeons in executing a surgical plan.
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paper_title: Haptic and audio displays for augmented reality tourism applications

paper_content:

Augmented Reality (AR) technology has potential for supporting applications such as tourism. However, non-visual interaction modalities are undervalued and underused in AR tourism applications. Visual displays are ineffective or inappropriate in some situations such as in strong sunlight or when walking or driving. Meanwhile, non-visual modalities are becoming increasingly important in mobile user experiences. In this paper, two non-visual interaction modalities, haptic display and audio display, and their combination are evaluated in representing tourism information to users with a mobile phone. An experimental evaluation was conducted with different tourism information presented by haptic display, audio display and both, with 3 different rhythms and 3 levels of amplitude. The results show a main effect of interaction modality, with identification rate highest for information represented in the combined Haptic-Audio display at 86.7%, while no significant effect was found for rhythm or amplitude alone. Qualitative data from the participants indicated that, across all interaction modalities, different levels of amplitude were more difficult to distinguish than different rhythms or different combinations of rhythm and amplitude.
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paper_title: Wearable tactile display of directions for pedestrian navigation: Comparative lab and field evaluations

paper_content:

We aim to contribute to the development of tactile-based pedestrian navigation systems that help users to navigate urban environments with minimal attention to the user-device interface. This paper describes the design and evaluation of a prototype and reports findings from (i) a lab-based study that directly compared features of two widely researched forms of tactile display: a waist belt and a back array; and (ii) a field evaluation which compared our prototype tactile-based navigation system (TactNav) with a visual mobile maps application (Nokia Maps™). Lab results indicated that the waist belt afforded significantly better performance than the back array across a wide range of metrics. Field results indicated that users' performance with the tactile-based system was equivalent to that with the visual-based system in terms of accuracy while route completion time was significantly faster with the tactile-based directional display.
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paper_title: Mixing Virtual and Real scenes in the site of ancient Pompeii

paper_content:

This paper presents an innovative 3D reconstruction of ancient fresco paintings through the real-time revival of their fauna and flora, featuring groups of virtual animated characters with artificial-life dramaturgical behaviours in an immersive, fully mobile augmented reality (AR) environment. The main goal is to push the limits of current AR and virtual storytelling technologies and to explore the processes of mixed narrative design of fictional spaces (e.g. fresco paintings) where visitors can experience a high degree of realistic immersion. Based on a captured/real-time video sequence of the real scene in a video-see-through HMD set-up, these scenes are enhanced by the seamless accurate real-time registration and 3D rendering of realistic complete simulations of virtual flora and fauna (virtual humans and plants) in a real-time storytelling scenario-based environment. Thus the visitor of the ancient site is presented with an immersive and innovative multi-sensory interactive trip to the past
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paper_title: Overview of smartphone augmented reality applications for tourism.

paper_content:

Invisible, attentive and adaptive technologies that provide tourists with relevant services and information anytime and anywhere may no longer be a vision from the future. The new display paradigm, stemming from the synergy of new mobile devices, context-awareness and AR, has the potential to enhance tourists’ experiences and make them exceptional. However, effective and usable design is still in its infancy. In this publication we present an overview of current smartphone AR applications outlining tourism-related domain-specific design challenges. This study is part of an ongoing research project aiming at developing a better understanding of the design space for smartphone context-aware AR applications for tourists.
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paper_title: Telegeoinformatics: Location-based Computing and Services

paper_content:

THEORIES AND TECHNOLOGIES Telegeoinformatics: Current Trends and Future Direction Introduction Architecture Internet-Based GIS Spatial Databases Intelligent Query Analyzer (IQA) Predictive Computing Adaptation Final Remarks References Remote Sensing Introductory Concepts Remote Sensing Systems Imaging Characteristics of Remote Sensing Systems Active Microwave Remote Sensing Extraction of Thematic Information from Remotely Sensed Imagery Extraction of Metric Information from Remotely Sensed Imagery Remote Sensing in Telegeoinformatics References Positioning and Tracking Approaches and Technologies Introduction Global Positioning System Positioning Methods Based on Cellular Networks Other Positioning and Tracking Techniques: An Overview Hybrid Systems Summary References Wireless Communications Introduction Overview of Wireless Systems Radio Propagation and Physical Layer Issues Medium Access in Wireless Networks Network Planning, Design and Deployment Wireless Network Operations Conclusions and the Future References INTEGRATED DATA AND TECHNOLOGIES Chapter Five: Location-Based Computing Introduction LBC Infrastructure Location-Based Interoperability Location-Based Data Management Adaptive Location-Based Computing Location-Based Routing as Adaptive LBC Concluding Remarks References Location-Based Services Introduction Types of Location-Based Services What is Unique About Location-Based Services? Enabling Technologies Market for Location-Based Services Importance of Architecture and Standards Example Location-Based Services: J-Phone J-Navi (Japan) Conclusions References Wearable Tele-Informatic Systems for Personal Imaging Introduction Humanistic Intelligence as a Basis for Intelligent Image Processing Humanistic Intelligence 'WEARCOMP' as a Means of Realizing Humanistic Intelligence Where on the Body Should a Visual Tele-Informatic Device be Placed? Telepointer: Wearable Hands-Free Completely Self Contained Visual Augmented Reality Without Headwear and Without any Infrastructural Reliance Portable Personal Pulse Doppler Radar Vision System When Both the Camera and Display are Headword: Personal Imaging and Mediated Reality Personal Imaging for Location-Based Services Reality Window Manager (RWM) Personal Telegeoinformatics: Blocking Spam with a Photonic Filter Conclusion References Mobile Augmented Reality Introduction MARS: Promises, Applications, and Challenges Components and Requirements MARS UI Concepts Conclusions Acknowledgements References APPLICATIONS Emergency Response Systems Overview of Emergency Response Systems State-of-the-Art ERSs Examples of Developing ERSs for Earthquakes and Other Disasters Future Aspects of Emergency Response Systems Concluding Remarks References Location-Based Computing for Infrastructure Field Tasks Introduction LBC-Infra Concept Technological Components of LBC-Infra General Requirements of LBC-Infra Interaction Patterns and Framework of LBC-Infra Prototype System and Case Study Conclusions References The Role of Telegeoinformatics in ITS Introduction to Intelligent Tranaportation Systems Telegeoinformatics Within ITS The Role of Positioning Systems In ITS Geospatial Data for ITS Communication Systems in ITS ITS-Telegeoinformatics Applications Non-Technical Issues Impacting on ITS Concluding Remarks Remarks The Impact and Penetration of Location-Based Services The Definition of Technologies LBSs: Definitions, Software, and Usage The Market for LBSs: A Model of the Development of LBSs Penetration of Mobile Devices: Predictions of Future Markets Impacts of LBSs on Geographical Locations Conclusions References
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paper_title: SPETA: Social pervasive e-Tourism advisor

paper_content:

Tourism is one of the major sources of income for many countries. Therefore, providing efficient, real-time service for tourists is a crucial competitive asset which needs to be enhanced using major technological advances. The current research has the objective of integrating technological innovation into an information system, in order to build a better user experience for the tourist. The principal strength of the approach is the fusion of context-aware pervasive systems, GIS systems, social networks and semantics. This paper presents the SPETA system, which uses knowledge of the user's current location, preferences, as well as a history of past locations, in order to provide the type of recommender services that tourists expect from a real tour guide.
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paper_title: Mobile Augmented Reality for Tourists - MARFT

paper_content:

The aim of the project MARFT is to demonstrate the next generation of augmented reality targeting current mass market mobile phones. MARFT sets out to launch an interactive service for tourists visiting mountainous rural regions. During local trips they will be able to explore the surrounding landscape by pointing the lens of the smart-phone camera towards the area of interest. As soon as the view-finder shows the area of interest, the tourist will be able to choose between two products: (i) an augmented photo superimposed with tourist information like hiking tours or lookout points or (ii) a rendered 3D virtual reality view showing the same view as the real photo also augmented with tourist objects. The outstanding step beyond current augmented reality applications is that MARFT is able to augment the reality with cartographic accuracy. In addition to the benefit of presenting reliable information, MARFT is able to consider the visibility of objects and further to work completely offline in order to avoid roaming costs especially for tourists visiting from abroad.
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paper_title: User expectations for mobile mixed reality services: an initial user study

paper_content:

Mixed reality, i.e. the integration and merging of physical and digital worlds, has become an integral part of the ubicomp research agenda. Often, however, in development of first technology concepts and prototypes, the expectations of potential users are not considered, and the development easily becomes technology-driven. To understand the expectations and needs of potential users of future mobile mixed reality (MMR) services, we conducted altogether five focus group sessions with varying user groups. We investigated the early impressions and expectations of MMR as a technology by evaluating various usage scenarios. Based on this initial study, we found relevance issues (what information to receive, how and when) and the reliability of MMR information to be the most salient elements that were anticipated to affect the overall user experience. In mobile and busy situations the MMR information content has to be something that is very important or useful for the user, especially if receiving the information or interacting with it draws the user's attention away from the tasks executed in the real world.
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paper_title: Evaluation of Mobile Augmented Reality Applications for Tourism Destinations

paper_content:

Every city contains interesting places and stories to be discovered. Mobile Augmented Reality provides the means to enrich tourists through precise and tailored information about the surroundings of the area they are visiting. MobiAR is an AR platform based on Android, which assists users who need tourist information about a city. When users observe reality through the MobiAR application via their mobile devices, they can experience events that took place at their location through multimedia content, and can access useful information to plan their routes in the city. This paper describes the MobiAR platform and presents the evaluation process that has been applied to the MobiAR application, in order to gather the opinion of real users.
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paper_title: Dublin AR: Implementing Augmented Reality in Tourism

paper_content:

The use of modern technology is becoming a necessity of many destinations to stay competitive and attractive to the modern tourist. A new form of technology that is being used increasingly in the public space is virtual- and Augmented Reality (AR). The aim of this paper is to investigate tourists’ requirements for the development of a mobile AR tourism application in urban heritage. In-depth interviews with 26 international and domestic tourists visiting Dublin city were conducted and thematic analysis was used to analyze the findings of the interviews. The findings suggest that although Augmented Reality has passed the hype stage, the technology is just on the verge of being implemented in a meaningful way in the tourism industry. Furthermore, they reveal that it needs to be designed to serve a specific purpose for the user, while multi-language functionality, ease of use and the capability to personalize the application are among the main requirements that need to be considered in order to attract tourists and encourage regular use. This paper discusses several significant implications for AR Tourism research and practice. Limitations of the study which should be addressed in future research are discussed and recommendations for further research are provided.
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paper_title: A Survey of Augmented Reality Technologies, Applications and Limitations

paper_content:

We are on the verge of ubiquitously adopting Augmented Reality (AR) technologies to enhance our percep- tion and help us see, hear, and feel our environments in new and enriched ways. AR will support us in fields such as education, maintenance, design and reconnaissance, to name but a few. This paper describes the field of AR, including a brief definition and development history, the enabling technologies and their characteristics. It surveys the state of the art by reviewing some recent applications of AR technology as well as some known limitations regarding human factors in the use of AR systems that developers will need to overcome.
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paper_title: Revisiting the visit:: understanding how technology can shape the museum visit

paper_content:

This paper reports findings from a study of how a guidebook was used by pairs of visitors touring a historic house. We describe how the guidebook was incorporated into their visit in four ways: shared listening, independent use, following one another, and checking in on each other. We discuss how individual and groupware features were adopted in support of different visiting experiences, and illustrate how that adoption was influenced by social relationships, the nature of the current visit, and any museum visiting strategies that the couples had. Finally, we describe how the guidebook facilitated awareness between couples, and how awareness of non-guidebook users (strangers) influenced use.
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paper_title: Design and implementation of a mobile device for outdoor augmented reality in the archeoguide project

paper_content:

This paper presents the design and implementation issues associated with the development of a mobile device for the ARCHEOGUIDE project. We describe general and application specific design goals as well as the technical requirements the implementation is based upon. Since speed is crucial for an interactive application we provide a survey of mobile and wearable computing equipment especially considering performance aspects. A detailed overview of available hardware components follows. We describe the decisions made during prototype development and present the final result --- a mobile unit for outdoor Augmented Reality tours in cultural-heritage sites. Finally we discuss the experiences we made using the system during a first trials phase at ancient Olympia in Greece.
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paper_title: Online user survey on current mobile augmented reality applications

paper_content:

Augmented reality (AR) as an emerging technology in the mobile computing domain is becoming mature enough to engender publicly available applications for end users. Various commercial applications have recently been emerging in the mobile consumer domain at an increasing pace — Layar, Junaio, Google Goggles, and Wikitude are perhaps the most prominent ones. However, the research community lacks an understanding of how well such timely applications have been accepted, what kind of user experiences they have evoked, and what the users perceive as the weaknesses of the various applications overall. During the spring of 2011 we conducted an online survey to study the overall acceptance and user experience of the mobile AR-like consumer applications currently existing on the market. This paper reports the first analyses of the qualitative and quantitative survey data of 90 respondents. We highlight an extensive set of user-oriented issues to be considered in developing the applications further, as well as in directing future user research in AR. The results indicate that the experiences have been inconsistent: generally positive evaluations are overshadowed by mentions of applications' pragmatic uselessness in everyday life and technical unreliability, as well as excessive or limited and irrelevant content.
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paper_title: Archeoguide: first results of an augmented reality, mobile computing system in cultural heritage sites

paper_content:

This paper presents the ARCHEOGUIDE project (Augmented Reality-based Cultural Heritage On-site GUIDE). ARCHEOGUIDE is an IST project, funded by the EU, aiming at providing a personalized electronic guide and tour assistant to cultural site visitors. The system provides on-site help and Augmented Reality reconstructions of ancient ruins, based on user's position and orientation in the cultural site, and realtime image rendering. It incorporates a multimedia database of cultural material for on-line access to cultural data, virtual visits, and restoration information. It uses multi-modal user interfaces and personalizes the flow of information to its user's profile in order to cater for both professional and recreational users, and for applications ranging from archaeological research, to education, multimedia publishing, and cultural tourism. This paper presents the ARCHEOGUIDE system and the experiences gained from the evaluation of an initial prototype by representative user groups at the archeological site of Olympia, Greece.
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paper_title: Enhancing the Tourism Experience through Mobile Augmented Reality: Challenges and Prospects

paper_content:

This paper discusses the use of Augmented Reality (AR) applications for the needs of tourism. It describes the technology's evolution from pilot applications into commercial mobile applications. We address the technical aspects of mobile AR application development, emphasizing the technologies that render the delivery of augmented reality content possible and experientially superior. We examine the state of the art, providing an analysis concerning the development and the objectives of each application. Acknowledging the various technological limitations hindering AR's substantial end-user adoption, the paper proposes a model for developing AR mobile applications for the field of tourism, aiming to release AR's full potential within the field.
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paper_title: Enhancing Cultural Tourism experiences with Augmented Reality Technologies

paper_content:

This paper describes the development of an interactive visualization system based on Augmented Reality Technologies and the integration into a tourist application. The basic idea is the combination of the commonly known concept of tourist binoculars with Augmented Reality. By means of Augmented Reality, the real scene is enhanced by multimedia personalized interactive information to increase the tourist experience of the user, who can retrieve this information by a user-friendly interface.
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paper_title: Augmented reality-based on-site tour guide: a study in Gyeongbokgung

paper_content:

This paper presents an on-site tour guide using augmented reality in which past life is virtually reproduced and visualized at cultural heritage sites. In the tour guide, animated 3-D virtual characters are superimposed on the cultural heritage sites by visually tracking simple geometric primitives of the sites such as rectangles and estimating camera poses (positions and orientations) that can be considered as a tourist's viewpoints. Contextual information, such as a tourist's locations and profiles, is used to support personalized tour guides. In particular, the tourist's locations are obtained by visually recognizing wooden tablets of the cultural heritage sites. The prototype of the augmented reality tour guide was tested at Gangnyeongjeon and Gyotaejeon in Gyeongbokgung, which is a symbolic cultural heritage site in Korea and its user evaluation is discussed.
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paper_title: PocketNavigator: vibro-tactile waypoint navigation for everyday mobile devices

paper_content:

Pedestrian navigation systems are becoming popular but the currently dominant audio-visual interaction can have drawbacks. Tactile feedback is studied as a solution, but currently only available as research prototypes. With the PocketNavigator we propose a demonstrator that adds tactile feedback to a simple but robust map-based navigation system that runs on any Android Smartphone. Users can leave the device in the pocket, while being guided non-visually through vibration cues. Like a compass we "point at" the next waypoint by encoding its direction and distance in vibration patterns. As an advantage over previous approaches it allows giving continuous feedback instead of isolated turning instructions and it can be realized without custom-built tactile displays. Preliminary results from a field study show that pedestrian can effectively use this Tactile Compass to reach a destination without turn-by-turn instructions. Integrated into the PocketNavigator we can now deploy it at the Android Market to evaluate the Tactile Compass with a wide range of users.
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paper_title: Survey of User-Based Experimentation in Augmented Reality

paper_content:

Although augmented reality (AR) was first conceptualized over 35 years ago (Sutherland, 1968), until recently the field was primarily concerned with the engineering challenges associated with developing AR hardware and software. Because AR is such a compelling medium with many potential uses, there is a need to further develop AR systems from a technology-centric medium to a user-centric medium. This transformation will not be realized without systematic user-based experimentation. This paper surveys and categorizes the user-based studies that have been conducted using AR to date. Our survey finds that the work is progressing along three complementary lines of effort: (1) those that study low-level tasks, with the goal of understanding how human perception and cognition operate in AR contexts, (2) those that examine user task performance within specific AR applications or application domains, in order to gain an understanding of how AR technology could impact underlying tasks, and (3) those that examine user interaction and communication between collaborating users.
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paper_title: Virtual-reality heritage presentation at Ename

paper_content:

Virtual reality (VR) and multimedia are central components of the heritage presentation programme at Ename, Belgium. These techniques are designed to help the visitor understand and experience the past as revealed through archaeological and historical research. The programme uses different VR approaches to bring to life archaeological remains, standing monuments and elements of the historical landscape for visitors. We named the overall project "Ename 974" to commemorate the foundation date of the first mediaeval settlement. Its major aim is to communicate new insights about archaeology, history and conservation to the general public, paying great attention to scholarly accuracy and by means of multimedia technologies. Among the most important of these technologies are on-site virtual reconstructions, museum multimedia and educational projects. Since 1998, the Ename Centre for Public Archaeology and Heritage Presentation has served as an international extension of the Ename 974 project. Its goal is to develop new technologies and new standards for heritage presentation. It also coordinates heritage presentation projects and educational programmes for partner sites around the world.
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paper_title: Overview of smartphone augmented reality applications for tourism.

paper_content:

Invisible, attentive and adaptive technologies that provide tourists with relevant services and information anytime and anywhere may no longer be a vision from the future. The new display paradigm, stemming from the synergy of new mobile devices, context-awareness and AR, has the potential to enhance tourists’ experiences and make them exceptional. However, effective and usable design is still in its infancy. In this publication we present an overview of current smartphone AR applications outlining tourism-related domain-specific design challenges. This study is part of an ongoing research project aiming at developing a better understanding of the design space for smartphone context-aware AR applications for tourists.
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Title: Augmented Reality in Tourism - Research and Applications Overview

Section 1: INTRODUCTION
Description 1: This section discusses the general concept of augmented reality, distinguishing it from virtual reality, and provides an overview of related work in various fields, including tourism.

Section 2: AUGMENTED REALITY IN TOURISM
Description 2: This section explores the potential of augmented reality to enhance the tourist experience, providing a comprehensive literature review of existing research, technological advancements, and applications in the tourism context.

Section 3: OVERVIEW OF RELEVANT FACTORS
Description 3: This section identifies and elaborates on key factors impacting the success of augmented reality applications in tourism, categorizing them into general requirements, functionalities, issues, overlay types, and technologies.

Section 4: CONCLUSION
Description 4: This section summarizes the key findings from the research and application overviews, underlines the categories of identified factors, and highlights areas needing further development and research for augmented reality technology in tourism.