Augmented Reality Applied to the Diagnostics and Fruition of Cultural Heritage

The term “Augmented Reality” (AR) is used to define integrated hardware and software technologies, designed to mix video footage taken by a camera with three-dimensional virtual objects. The result is a mix between real reality and virtual reality. Many applications of this technology are beingdeveloped for use in the field of cultural heritage and are being introduced for use in specialized contexts such as in certain phases of the diagnostic process or fruition. The basic algorithmic approach for augmented reality, starts from a video stream analysis that incorporates a real scene. Within the same scene are scattered a set of known geometric images called“markers”. When the software module in charge of the video flow analysis identifies a marker within the scene, it tries to position it in relation to a reference system integral with the chamber which performs the video shoot, and then replaces it in real time, overlapping with a 3D model achieved through a virtual modeling software. The aim of this article is to evaluate the state of the art augmented reality and then examine several experiments involving its application to cultural heritage

La ricostruzione virtuale del paesaggio di Torre Guaceto (Brindisi, Italia)

This paper describes the design and development of mobile applications that use Augmented Reality technology (AR) and virtual reality (VR) to improve the dissemination of the archaeological evidence found at the State Nature Reserve and Protected Marine Area of Torre Guaceto (Brindisi); the finds are part of the Bronze Age fortified settlement of Scogli di Apani. In more general terms, they also help in understanding the natural and anthropic character of its coastal territory during the second millennium B.C.La pubblicazione descrive la progettazione e lo sviluppo di applicazioni per dispositivi mobili che sfruttano le tecnologie della Realtà Aumentata (AR) e della Realtà Virtuale( VR) finalizzate a migliorare la divulgazione e la comprensione delle evidenze archeologiche presenti presso la Riserva Naturale dello Stato e Area Marina Protetta di Torre Guaceto (Brindisi), facenti parte dell’insediamento fortificato dell’età del Bronzo di Scogli di Apani e, più in generale, indirizzate alla conoscenza dei caratteri naturali e antropici del suo territorio costiero nel corso del II millennio a.C

Integrazione di building information modeling e realtà aumentata per migliorare l’indagine di edifici storici

This paper describes an experimental system to support investigation of historical buildings using Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Augmented Reality (AR). The system requires the use of an off-line software to build the BIM representation and defines a method to integrate diagnostic data into BIM. The system offers access to such information during site investigation using AR glasses supported by marker and marker-less technologies. The main innovation is the possibility to contextualize through AR not only existing BIM properties but also results from non-invasive tools. User evaluations show how the use of the system may enhance the perception of engineers during the investigation process.Questa pubblicazione descrive un sistema sperimentale per supportare l’indagine di edifici storici utilizzando Building Information Modeling (BIM) e Realtà Aumentata (AR). Il sistema richiede l’utilizzo di software off-line per realizzare la rappresentazione BIM e definisce un metodo per integrare dati diagnostici in BIM. Il sistema offre accesso a tali dati durante l’indagine del sito usando occhiali AR supportati dalle tecnologie marker e marker-less. L’innovazione principale del sistema è la possibilità di contestualizzare attraverso AR non solo le proprietà BIM esistenti ma anche dati da strumenti non-invasivi. Valutazioni utente mostrano come l’utilizzo del sistema possa migliorare la percezione degli ingegneri durante il processo di indagine

A proposed Hardware-Software architecture for virtual reality in industrial applications

Increase the level of interaction with CAD engines constitutes a challenging problem for industries such as aerospace and automotive which require high degree of details inspection during the design process. A high level of interaction can be provided using immersive virtual environments. However, the use of virtual reality for industrial applications introduces a number of problems since interaction requires tracking systems but also the design of user-friendly 3D interfaces. Our work aims to develop a cost-effective hardware/software VR platform which increases the level of interaction, interfacing with the most common CAD engines. On one hand, the realization of such a complex platform requires high performance devices. On the other hand, industrial applications require reliable and cost-effective solutions and, for this reason, the presented platform features a novel solution for the accurate hand tracking which combines a depth camera and the WiiRemote in this concern