Anton Fuhrmann

Bio: Anton Fuhrmann is an academic researcher from VRVis. The author has contributed to research in topics: Augmented reality & Virtual reality. The author has an hindex of 18, co-authored 34 publications receiving 1605 citations. Previous affiliations of Anton Fuhrmann include Vienna University of Technology.

The studierstube augmented reality project

Abstract: Our starting point for developing the Studierstube system was the belief that augmented reality, the less obtrusive cousin of virtual reality, has a better chance of becoming a viable user interface for applications requiring manipulation of complex three-dimensional information as a daily routine. In essence, we are searching for a 3-D user interface metaphor as powerful as the desktop metaphor for 2-D. At the heart of the Studierstube system, collaborative augmented reality is used to embed computer-generated images into the real work environment. In the first part of this paper, we review the user interface of the initial Studierstube system, in particular the implementation of collaborative augmented reality, and the Personal Interaction Panel, a two-handed interface for interaction with the system. In the second part, an extended Studierstube system based on a heterogeneous distributed architecture is presented. This system allows the user to combine multiple approaches-augmented reality, projection displays, and ubiquitous computing--to the interface as needed. The environment is controlled by the Personal Iteraction Panel, a two-handed, pen-and-pad interface that has versatile uses for interacting with the virtual environment. Studierstube also borrows elements from the desktop, such as multi-tasking and multi-windowing. The resulting software architecture is a user interface management system for complex augmented reality applications. The presentation is complemented by selected application examples.

Studierstube: An environment for collaboration in augmented reality

Abstract: We propose an architecture for multi-user augmented reality with applications in visualisation, presentation and education, which we call "Studierstube". Our system presents three-dimensional stereoscopic graphics simultaneously to a group of users wearing light weight see-through head mounted displays. The displays do not affect natural communication and interaction, making working together very effective. Users see the same spatially aligned model, but can independently control their viewpoint and different layers of the data to be displayed. The setup serves computer supported cooperative work and enhances cooperation of visualisation experts. This paper presents the client-server software architecture underlying this system and details that must be addressed to create a high-quality augmented reality setup.

Bridging multiple user interface dimensions with augmented reality

Abstract: Studierstube is an experimental user interface system which uses collaborative augmented reality to incorporate true 3D interaction into a productivity environment. This concept is extended to bridge multiple user interface dimensions by including multiple users, multiple host platforms, multiple display types, multiple concurrent applications and a multi-context (i.e. 3D document) interface into a heterogeneous distributed environment. With this architecture, we can explore the user interface design space between pure augmented reality and the popular ubiquitous computing paradigm. We report on our design philosophy, which is centered around the notion of contexts and locales, as well as the underlying software and hardware architecture. Contexts encapsulate a live application together with 3D (visual) and other data, while locales are used to organize geometric reference systems. By separating geometric relationships (locales) from semantic relationships (contexts), we achieve a great amount of flexibility in the configuration of displays. To illustrate our claims, we present several applications, including a cinematographic design tool which showcases many features of our system.

Recent advances in augmented reality

Abstract: In 1997, Azuma published a survey on augmented reality (AR). Our goal is to complement, rather than replace, the original survey by presenting representative examples of the new advances. We refer one to the original survey for descriptions of potential applications (such as medical visualization, maintenance and repair of complex equipment, annotation, and path planning); summaries of AR system characteristics (such as the advantages and disadvantages of optical and video approaches to blending virtual and real, problems in display focus and contrast, and system portability); and an introduction to the crucial problem of registration, including sources of registration error and error-reduction strategies.

Marker tracking and HMD calibration for a video-based augmented reality conferencing system

Abstract: We describe an augmented reality conferencing system which uses the overlay of virtual images on the real world. Remote collaborators are represented on virtual monitors which can be freely positioned about a user in space. Users can collaboratively view and interact with virtual objects using a shared virtual whiteboard. This is possible through precise virtual image registration using fast and accurate computer vision techniques and head mounted display (HMD) calibration. We propose a method for tracking fiducial markers and a calibration method for optical see-through HMD based on the marker tracking.

A Survey of Augmented Reality Technologies, Applications and Limitations

Abstract: 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.

Trends in augmented reality tracking, interaction and display: A review of ten years of ISMAR

Abstract: Although Augmented Reality technology was first developed over forty years ago, there has been little survey work giving an overview of recent research in the field. This paper reviews the ten-year development of the work presented at the ISMAR conference and its predecessors with a particular focus on tracking, interaction and display research. It provides a roadmap for future augmented reality research which will be of great value to this relatively young field, and also for helping researchers decide which topics should be explored when they are beginning their own studies in the area.