Communications of the ACM
Virtual Museum Guide
Software developed by the Fraunhofer Institute for Computer Graphics Research can superimpose a layer of relevant text, video or animation over a displayed image.
Credit: Fraunhofer IGD
Fraunhofer Institute for Computer Graphics Research IGD scientists have developed augmented-reality animation software that can take users on virtual tours through museums. The Fraunhofer IGD software runs on a minicomputer and is controlled by a touch screen. The researchers say the program indicates a trend toward mobile, virtual guidebooks.
Fraunhofer IGD researcher Michael Zollner says the software is programmed to recognize images, and it knows where the center of the camera is pointing and can superimpose the relevant overlay, such as text, video, or animation. The original image is visible under the overlays, so visitors always know where they are on the virtual tour.
The researchers tested the software in the iTACITUS project, in which the team programmed a portable computer to act as an electronic tour guide for the Royal Palace of Venaria in Italy.
From Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft
View Full Article
Abstracts Copyright © 2010 Information Inc., Bethesda, Maryland, USA 
No entries found