I took out my classmates to Bunratty yesterday (It didn't rain once out there!). Before going there, I came up with questions for the visit relating to the information they received, the use of their mobile phone, and what they hoped to achieve on their visit. I asked them questions in the Folkpark and after. I recorded these, and plan to transcribe this over the weekend.
With this information, and information from another trip out to the Folkpark I will start working on scenarios of some visitors. I will also be designing a paper prototype soon.
I'm having problems with the ARToolkit. I updated to Snow Leopard and now the toolkit won't run on my laptop. I haven't found any solutions online yet. Marc recommended that I look at other Augmented Reality development tools. I'm investigating the Layar API, Wikitude and looking up other options. So far, I've found FLARToolkit. I haven't started working with any of these yet. I have to learn how to user Terminal properly, as well as the different development methods with the API's. This will take some time.
Right now, I am working on my Interim Report. The deadline is 21st December, but I hope to have it done by the end of this week so I can focus on studying for exams which start on the 14th December.
Goals of Your Visit
Understanding the Visitor
Well, it's been a few weeks since my last post! I've been working on a lot of projects and college work, and trying to get my head around the ARToolkit.
I went out to Bunratty last week giving interviews, and got a good idea on technology uses in the park and if people were happy with the amount of information they were being given.
I am planning on heading out to the Folkpark again twice this week. Tomorrow afternoon I will head out and try to get an idea of what to focus my design on. I will be taking a look at the buildings and trying to find a theme for my project, like buildings with a link or another theme to work on. I'll have an interview with people there and see how they interact with the theme that I choose, if I choose a set of buildings I'll ask them if there's enough information on items inside a building or if there know what an object is inside the building etc.
On Wednesday, I hope to bring out some of my classmates (if they'll withstand the rain for me) and give them pre and post-tour interview, and give them the same interview that I plan on giving the visitors tomorrow about the information within the Folkpark. I plan on asking them to think aloud as we wander through the buildings, I will take record what they say, hopefully this will give me some good information on their goals for the visit, and how they achieve these goals.
During the next two days that I am visiting the Folkpark, I hope to find out how skilled the visitors are at using mobile phones, as the usage if my design will be on a mobile phone. I hope to find out the goals of the visitors and what they do in the Folkpark. Once I get this information I will be forming scenarios of several visitors and what they might interact with within my 'theme'.
Context Aware Tour Guides
I'm finally getting around to posting up about three papers I have read on context awareness in tourism guides. These guides are typically aware of their location and give a the user a tour, such as an audio tour, in this way it is in the same category as AR tours.
'Context-awareness in Mobile Tourist Information Systems: Challenges for User interaction' by Hinze and Buchanan discusses the challenges in context handling in mobile tourist information systems, and how to model, observe, evaluate and exploit this application area.
Development of a personal profile which knows travel history, means of travel, interests, location and current time. Information based on these contexts in the personal profile should be delivered to the user. Recommendations could be given based on the profile and user feedback.
Navigation should be supported on maps and location should be indicated on maps.
Tourism Context Challenges:
1. Concepts of Context
Characteristics of mobile device - storage and screen size
Network - bandwidth and peers
Application - requirements in storage, download capabilities and display capabilities
User - time, location, interests
Information Objects - location
The designers believe that the concept of context should be open and extensible to address different platforms and environments.
2. Context Management
The context should be considered through 4 tasks.
Model: Information should be available on objects that are of interest to the user based on their personal background, while keeping in mind time, location and direction which is continuously changing.
Observer: The context data of the user can be stored for future use.
Store: Data can be stored on the device as well as the server. Security issues will have to be addressed regarding personal information.
Access: Information has to be kept private, and the system has to be efficient.
3. Context Usage
The information should be presented in an effective way, with a good design of the interface. The system should be satisfactory to use, and the user should not be weakened by the transfer of data between the data and server.
'Context Awareness in Mobile Tourism Guides' by Schwinger et al. evaluates several context based tour devices and discusses the possibilities for ubiquitous computing (time and location awareness with possibility for personalised services), in the tourist industry this could be used for the personalised tourism information on points of interest.
Interesting Points
They found that most devices had poor CPU power was a limitation, and that memory in some devices could be reserved by having push based access. They found that social factors are important in tourism, especially with groups. Functionality should be high and text messaging could be a good feature for the devices.
'Cyberguide: A Mobile Context Aware Tour Guide' by Abowd et al. discusses Cyberguide, a project where they built a series of prototypes of a mobile context aware tour that knew the users current location and history of past locations. The long term goal of the project was to develop a device that would know where the tourist is, what he/she is looking at and predict and answer questions about the environment around them.
This paper is from 1997, the technology used is dated and many of the 'possible future' prospects have been developed since. The paper has many relevant points to Augmented Reality tour systems.
Device
A handheld device is seen as acceptable in this paper as a most tourists are happy to carry around a book for information. The ideal handheld device for the developers in this paper has:
- Screen and pen/finger interface
- Storage resources
- Access to input/output interface
- Video input/output
Design Process
The designers also used an iterative design process when developing the prototypes for this system, and got feedback through formal questionnaires, informal surveys, and informal user comments.
Interesting Points
The ideal personal guide would allow the tourist to see any exhibit in any order. The guide would locate the tourist through a navigation system (indoor beacons, GPS etc.) and objects marked with visual markers.
Real time communication could act as an agent, giving people the ability to book or make reservations from the device.
Enhance reality - give X-Ray vision (This could be in line with an Augmented Reality system)
The designers hoped to increase communication, improve the context awareness and have a modifiable information base.
Presentation
My final powerpoint for the presentation today. In it I give an overview of the FYP, what augmented reality is, some papers I read and think are very useful and my trip to Bunratty. I also give a rough plan for the future. I could add in a lot more especially about my research, but I only have 15 minutes to give it, plus 5 minutes of questions. Wish me luck!
Mobile Video Augmented Reality For Spatial Navigation
Mobile Video Augmented Reality For Spatial Navigation
Augmented Reality on Handheld Platforms
I have a lot of research done on designing for mobile platforms, and I've also taken a look at Augmented Reality and Context Awareness on these platforms.
'Mobile Augmented Reality' by Tobias H. Holler and Steven K. Feiner discusses Mobile Augmented Reality Systems (MARS) and how it can be implemented in many aspects of life. I will be taking the general overview and how they see it MARS influencing the tourism industry.
'Mobile Augmented Reality' by Tobias H. Holler and Steven K. Feiner discusses Mobile Augmented Reality Systems (MARS) and how it can be implemented in many aspects of life. I will be taking the general overview and how they see it MARS influencing the tourism industry.
World becomes a user interface.
What is AR? A layer of information over any environment. It is able to integrate virtual information into a persons physical space and perceive that information exists in the surroundings. It aims to supplement the real world by aligning virtual objects/information with real ones.
Device - MARS Components Needed:
- Computational platform - generate and manage the virtual material to be layered on top of the physical environment, to process the tracker information and AR display.
- Display
- Registration - tracking position and orientation
- Input & Interaction Technology
- Wireless Network
Computing Platform Factors: computing power, form factor, ruggedness, power consumption, graphics, multimedia capabilities, memory and storage space, upgrade ability, operating system and software, development environments, technical support, price.
Usability: The user should not have to concentrate on how to work a particular computing interface, especially as they will be busy focusing on real world tasks.
Properties of MARS User Interfaces:
Properties of MARS User Interfaces:
- User Control
- Consistency
- Need for embedded semantic information
- Scene Dynamic
Location Aware Mobile Interactive Guides: Usability Issues
I found this paper to be very useful in my background research. It discusses a handheld mobile guide, the design process and some important issues they came across when designing the guide.
'Location Aware Mobile Interactive Guides: Usability Issues' by Jonathan Broadbent and Patricia Marti
Overview
This paper deals with HIPS (Hyper Interaction within Physical Space) - a project funded by the European Commission, the aim of which is to develop a handheld electronic tour guide for cities/museums and the exploration of the physical environment. It hopes to support users in their everyday working/leisure activities
Integration:
'Location Aware Mobile Interactive Guides: Usability Issues' by Jonathan Broadbent and Patricia Marti
Overview
This paper deals with HIPS (Hyper Interaction within Physical Space) - a project funded by the European Commission, the aim of which is to develop a handheld electronic tour guide for cities/museums and the exploration of the physical environment. It hopes to support users in their everyday working/leisure activities
Integration:
- Handheld Computing
- Wireless Communications
- Positioning Technologies
System Guide - generate audio messages for finding items of interest and describing items with additional information, suggestions and alternate routes. Information will be generated based on maps, spatial direction. The system will integrate user requests, history of browsing and location.
The Design Process
When designing this system iteratively, the designers had four essential activities in mind to ensure understood and specified user needs:
- Context of use
- Effectiveness, efficiency and satisfaction
- Prototypes
- Evaluation of prototypes
User testing after installation of Museum of Santa Maria.
Tests: Time to complete a task, success rate, errors, satisfaction and fun
Collection of Data: Videotape; Questionnaire; Time and error measures
Diagnostic Evaluation: focus groups; heuristic evaluation; analytic evaluation; physical and cognitive operations and observational evaluation
Scenario Building: explore new forms of interaction; creation of real scenarios; share the experience; describe existing activities or envision new ones.
Scenarios were used for functional definitions, and to clarify thoughts on potential features.
Interesting Points
Tests: Time to complete a task, success rate, errors, satisfaction and fun
Collection of Data: Videotape; Questionnaire; Time and error measures
Diagnostic Evaluation: focus groups; heuristic evaluation; analytic evaluation; physical and cognitive operations and observational evaluation
Scenario Building: explore new forms of interaction; creation of real scenarios; share the experience; describe existing activities or envision new ones.
Scenarios were used for functional definitions, and to clarify thoughts on potential features.
Interesting Points
Location Aware mobile devices that permit the navigation of both a physical space and a related information space at the same time represents a new interaction paradigm.
It shows the important to decrease costs to produce for the mass market.
Robustness of device design depends on interactivity, the speed of response, how the information is to be presented, gradual degradation and effective feedback.
Design should be centred on user, instead of testing the validity of a data encryption algorithm. Human centred design ensures that the system is designed to suit their needs. The paper uses the iterative design process - Design, Test with Users, Redesign.
The designers hope to give a rich variety of options in an information space, rather than being bound to the physical constraints of the real world.
Information must be shown to the user in a way appropriate to the user and the context of use.
Testing of prototype must be done to eliminate sources of confusion and error and identify sources of enjoyment.
Testing of prototype must be done to eliminate sources of confusion and error and identify sources of enjoyment.
Networking aspect crucial. Contraints on storage (which may not apply to networked devices).
Centralising data will allow for greater simplification when downloading data. Updating can be done centrally in this way also.
Centralising data will allow for greater simplification when downloading data. Updating can be done centrally in this way also.
Bunratty Visit
Today, I went to Bunratty to observe and take photos. There was a Halloween celebration for the Bank Holiday Monday, it was very busy and had a lot of families wandering around the folk park.
I took a lot of pictures and took notes on the visitors of the folk park, one thing that I noticed about the people touring the grounds was that many people did not use the map they were given on entry, for the most part people wandered the grounds on their own accord. The children climbed on everything that was possible to climb on - old farming tools etc.
Byre Dwelling
Most people I saw were very interested in the houses (Weaver's Shed, Blacksmith's Forge etc.) dotted around the folk park, wandering in and out of each, looking in each of the rooms and at most of the objects. Although the houses are numbered for reference to the map there is no information present in front of the houses about them or in them, or about the objects in them. Many people seemed to enjoy the Village Street with the Doctor's House, Foster's Printery etc.
There were several events throughout the folk park for the Halloween event including snap apple, coin bobbing, story telling, and a competition for the best costume. There were opportunities to see snakes, lizards and spiders, and have a go on an electric bull, and a concert in the folk park. None of the events were sign posted in anyway. Visitors were left to discover the events themselves.
I have several ideas now for a rough tour, perhaps with an AR tour the events and different attractions could be mapped out. I plan on returning soon with interviews for visitors and more observation. I want to find out if the visitors usually wander around the folk park without the map, and how do they get their information, maybe the visitors today were mostly interested in a 'day out' for the children than a historical tour.
I took a lot of pictures and took notes on the visitors of the folk park, one thing that I noticed about the people touring the grounds was that many people did not use the map they were given on entry, for the most part people wandered the grounds on their own accord. The children climbed on everything that was possible to climb on - old farming tools etc.
Byre Dwelling
Most people I saw were very interested in the houses (Weaver's Shed, Blacksmith's Forge etc.) dotted around the folk park, wandering in and out of each, looking in each of the rooms and at most of the objects. Although the houses are numbered for reference to the map there is no information present in front of the houses about them or in them, or about the objects in them. Many people seemed to enjoy the Village Street with the Doctor's House, Foster's Printery etc.
The Village Street
I have several ideas now for a rough tour, perhaps with an AR tour the events and different attractions could be mapped out. I plan on returning soon with interviews for visitors and more observation. I want to find out if the visitors usually wander around the folk park without the map, and how do they get their information, maybe the visitors today were mostly interested in a 'day out' for the children than a historical tour.
Inside a cottage
Mill
Design Process
My design is going to be focused on the interaction of the user with the interface of the AR I develop. Over the next few months I will be studying the context in which the visitors of Bunratty Folkpark might use technologies provided for them. I have a great basis for this from the feasibility study carried out in the Folkpark before. I will be using this study and my own to come up with ideas on the requirements for my media.
I am planning a trip to Bunratty Folkpark, I will be talking to people about what they'd like to see or what they feel they would need from a 'context aware' mobile tour. I will organise a design workshop and interaction groups. I will also be coming up with scenarios and many storyboards throughout the design process.
The main design principles that are laid out in 'Designing Interactive Systems' that I will be keeping in mind when designing this are:
Iterative Design Process
The design process I plan to use is an iterative process. This process is based on a cycle what begins with a prototyping, testing, analysing and redefined for the next cycle.
I hope to be able to go through two cycles of the iterative design, I'll have a better idea of if this is possible over the next couple of weeks.
Over the past few years I have learned that the iterative design process is highly regarded, as each time the cycle is repeated it is hoped that the usability will be improved and the designer will progressively develops solutions to the design.
The idea is that a prototype will be designed, a user will test it, the designer will fix the bugs/issues and the redefined prototype will be tested again.
Jakob Neilson has an good paper on iterative design, "Iterative User Interface Design". It discusses the iterative user interface design and some user tests, and measurements.
Scenarios
Throughout the design process I will be doing scenario building- coming up with stories about how visitors to Bunratty Folkpark will undertake activities in the Folkpark using the technology.
I am planning a trip to Bunratty Folkpark, I will be talking to people about what they'd like to see or what they feel they would need from a 'context aware' mobile tour. I will organise a design workshop and interaction groups. I will also be coming up with scenarios and many storyboards throughout the design process.
The main design principles that are laid out in 'Designing Interactive Systems' that I will be keeping in mind when designing this are:
- Visibility - make sure the functions are visible and it is clear what the system is doing.
- Consistency - conceptual and physical consistency are important for ease of use
- Familiarity - the system should be designed so it is familiar to the user, language and metaphors are examples of this.
- Affordance - designing objects so that it is clear what they are to be used for, keeping in mind the properties things have and how people use them.
- Navigation - provide support on how to get around the system
- Control - make it clear who/what is in control and allow the user to take control.
- Feedback - the information from the system needs to be rapid so the user know what effects their actions have.
- Recovery - enable recovery from actions
- Contraints - provide constraints so user doesn't try to do things inappropriate that could lead to serious errors.
(Benyon et al., 2005)
Iterative Design Process
The design process I plan to use is an iterative process. This process is based on a cycle what begins with a prototyping, testing, analysing and redefined for the next cycle.
I hope to be able to go through two cycles of the iterative design, I'll have a better idea of if this is possible over the next couple of weeks.
Over the past few years I have learned that the iterative design process is highly regarded, as each time the cycle is repeated it is hoped that the usability will be improved and the designer will progressively develops solutions to the design.
The idea is that a prototype will be designed, a user will test it, the designer will fix the bugs/issues and the redefined prototype will be tested again.
Jakob Neilson has an good paper on iterative design, "Iterative User Interface Design". It discusses the iterative user interface design and some user tests, and measurements.
Scenarios
Throughout the design process I will be doing scenario building- coming up with stories about how visitors to Bunratty Folkpark will undertake activities in the Folkpark using the technology.
Scenarios in the design process are recommended here because "descriptions of people using technology are essential in discussing and analyzing how
the technology is (or could be) used to reshape their activities. A secondary advantage is
that scenario descriptions can be created before a system is built and its impacts felt."
They are also useful for brainstorming and coming up with as many possibilities and solutions
in the design. They can give the designer a better understanding of the current situation and
any difficulties in the situation. (Benyon et al., 2005).
the technology is (or could be) used to reshape their activities. A secondary advantage is
that scenario descriptions can be created before a system is built and its impacts felt."
They are also useful for brainstorming and coming up with as many possibilities and solutions
in the design. They can give the designer a better understanding of the current situation and
any difficulties in the situation. (Benyon et al., 2005).
User stories and their real world experiences will be a huge help in scenario building. This can be collected as videos, interviews, results from observations, pictures etc.
Conceptual Scenarios are more abstract than user stories. Common elements are found in the user stories, stories are examined and combined. It is useful for generating ideas and for understanding requirements for the future system.
Concept Scenarios are useful for prototyping and envisioning the design ideas. These scenarios are specific elaborations from the user stories and observations that are linked to the original scenario.
Use Cases
I will be evaluating evaluating how users interact with my prototypes by making Use Cases. Use Cases describe the interaction between people and devices. It describes what the system does, how the system is used and what people do with the system.
Task and functions have to be allocated to the use and results should be recorded. Design issues can be noted here. (Benyon et al., 2005)
Timeline
I have my presentation for the FYP done and almost dusted now. I'll be putting it up once I'm completely happy with it. It has the overview of my FYP, Intro to Augmented Reality, the ARToolkit, some examples of AR around UL, what I hope to do for Bunratty Folkpark, I'll talk about a few papers that I have read - some good and bad points about them, I also have some future readings, a plan of action and a timeline.
Timeline
The text in black are the official deadlines, and the text in blue are the deadlines I have set for myself. My design process may only have one cycle (prototype, testing, evaluation, prototype) but I will alter the timeline when I get a better idea of how the cycle is going.
Timeline
The text in black are the official deadlines, and the text in blue are the deadlines I have set for myself. My design process may only have one cycle (prototype, testing, evaluation, prototype) but I will alter the timeline when I get a better idea of how the cycle is going.
Update
Week 6 of college, I've begun to look at design and the steps necessary for good Human Centered design.
I was focusing a lot on the technical side so I'm backing up in to my design roots again, HCI and Interactive Design. Along with that over the past couple of weeks, I've been reading papers on Open Air Museums, Context Aware Devices in Museums/Open Air Museums. I plan on writing up some notes on the relevance of these on Sunday.
I have most of the presentation to show my progress so far and what I hope to achieve, I'm doing up a plan of action and a timeline with that. I will have this done by the beginning of next week. I must get the steps necessary and figure out what dates will be good to head out to Bunratty Folkpark once I'm allowed head out. I'll be doing observing, and group work out there to start with.
Downloaded 3 AR iPhone apps to my phone over the past week. It really has the potential to be a great technology if it's designed and implemented right. Looking forward to see what all the developers do with it in the future. Hopefully my media will be good enough too.
I was focusing a lot on the technical side so I'm backing up in to my design roots again, HCI and Interactive Design. Along with that over the past couple of weeks, I've been reading papers on Open Air Museums, Context Aware Devices in Museums/Open Air Museums. I plan on writing up some notes on the relevance of these on Sunday.
I have most of the presentation to show my progress so far and what I hope to achieve, I'm doing up a plan of action and a timeline with that. I will have this done by the beginning of next week. I must get the steps necessary and figure out what dates will be good to head out to Bunratty Folkpark once I'm allowed head out. I'll be doing observing, and group work out there to start with.
Downloaded 3 AR iPhone apps to my phone over the past week. It really has the potential to be a great technology if it's designed and implemented right. Looking forward to see what all the developers do with it in the future. Hopefully my media will be good enough too.
What is Augmented Reality?
There are quite a few papers and websites on Augmented Reality (AR) out there. I am looking at mobile Augmented Reality for my work.
The general focus on AR is that it will give a layer virtual information to a persons physical environment in real time, and that this will enhance the persons experience as it will give them digital information and communication capabilities. This mixed environment will be interactive and is potentially one of the next big technologies. The AR Toolkit website is more specific with this, according this there is are video and optical see-through ARs. Video see-through AR is where virtual images are overlaid on live video of the real world. Optical see-through AR is where computer graphics are overlaid on a view of the real world. Optical see-through AR typically requires a see-through head mounted display and has more complicated camera calibration and registration requirements. I will be focusing on video see-through AR.
Now, there are AR applications for mobile phones like Yelp for the iPhone and Wikitude and Layar for the Android, which shows houses for sale, restaurants, shops, and tourist attractions. There are applications that let the user see the nearest subway station, or even the Twitter statuses being made around them. There are games being developed and even the governments are taking notice, examples seen here and here.
Image 1: Layar
An idea from Mobile Augmented Reality that I really like is that the world will become a user interface, aligning virtual objects with real ones. Even more, it will enable people to take advantage of the existing skills and interact with objects in the real world in an enhanced way.
AR could be used in all walks of life, from journalism to military training.
AR could be used in all walks of life, from journalism to military training.
This technology typically uses global tracking, wireless communications, location based computing, cameras and mobile computing. As well as a lot of battery life for the devices, and computational power. The popular AR development software that I found were the AR Toolkit and the PTAM.
Image 2: Example of AR Toolkit on phone
In the past a lot of research was invested in wearable computers that would augment reality for the user, now though with mobile phones and the GSP capabilities out there the research and applications are based around these, although other types of devices are being developed such as AR contact lenses.
More Resources:
Augmented Reality: Linking Real and Virtual Worlds
MIT STEP's Handheld Augmented Reality Simulations Site
Wikitude Drive Android App Does Turn-By-Turn, Augmented-Reality-Style
Image 1: Layar Brings Semi-Augmented Reality to Your Android Phone
Image 2: ArtToolKit – Augmented Reality Application for iPhone
Augmented Reality: Linking Real and Virtual Worlds
MIT STEP's Handheld Augmented Reality Simulations Site
Wikitude Drive Android App Does Turn-By-Turn, Augmented-Reality-Style
Image 1: Layar Brings Semi-Augmented Reality to Your Android Phone
Image 2: ArtToolKit – Augmented Reality Application for iPhone
Enhancing the Visitor Experience: Case Study: Development of Mobile Technology to Bunratty
After reading the paper from the IDC on their work on the development of Bluetooth technology to Bunratty, I have started getting a more focused view of my FYP.
The paper 'Enhancing the Visitor Experience at Visitor Attractions through the Adoption of Information and Communication Technology' describes the prospects of giving a visitor a detailed and customised experience not possible before, where the visitor is encouraged to participate in an active manner in the tour. Different technologies can make this a possibility.
The paper shows how mobile technology can enhance visitor satisfaction, the development, and the prototype device they developed.
Usability, Experience and Engagement play big parts in the interaction.
The visitor used a mobile device that they had (their mobile phone) and information was sent directly to their device. The IDC used Bluetooth for the delivering of information to the mobile devices as it is reliable, affordable and can be used quickly and seamlessly.
Bluetooth is a wireless system that utilises short range communications technology which is used for data transmission. It is now a basic feature on most mobile phones.
Key Points:
The alerts would contain information that was not available in the brochure or any information point in the centre, it was to be a supplement that would give further information of the centre, such as videos available for download.
It is thought that the data sent to the visitor could be questions in case they wanted to know more information, encouragement to visit other parts of the centre or information on the restaurants or shops (location/menus).
When designing the software, they made sure that it was fully interactive, easily expanded upon, and new content could be added by staff of the centre. The paper describes how the information is transmitted via Bluetooth and the practical issues related to the implementation of the technology.
There is a lot of recommendations in the paper that will come in useful later on in my research. I will be using it as a basis for my work.
The paper 'Enhancing the Visitor Experience at Visitor Attractions through the Adoption of Information and Communication Technology' describes the prospects of giving a visitor a detailed and customised experience not possible before, where the visitor is encouraged to participate in an active manner in the tour. Different technologies can make this a possibility.
The paper shows how mobile technology can enhance visitor satisfaction, the development, and the prototype device they developed.
Usability, Experience and Engagement play big parts in the interaction.
The visitor used a mobile device that they had (their mobile phone) and information was sent directly to their device. The IDC used Bluetooth for the delivering of information to the mobile devices as it is reliable, affordable and can be used quickly and seamlessly.
Bluetooth is a wireless system that utilises short range communications technology which is used for data transmission. It is now a basic feature on most mobile phones.
Key Points:
- 95% of tourists own a mobile phone
- 88% of tourists bring a mobile phone on holiday
- 65% have Bluetooth technology enabled
The alerts would contain information that was not available in the brochure or any information point in the centre, it was to be a supplement that would give further information of the centre, such as videos available for download.
It is thought that the data sent to the visitor could be questions in case they wanted to know more information, encouragement to visit other parts of the centre or information on the restaurants or shops (location/menus).
Image 1: Location Based Information “Alerts” for Bunratty Mobile
When designing the software, they made sure that it was fully interactive, easily expanded upon, and new content could be added by staff of the centre. The paper describes how the information is transmitted via Bluetooth and the practical issues related to the implementation of the technology.
There is a lot of recommendations in the paper that will come in useful later on in my research. I will be using it as a basis for my work.
The Title...
The FYP I have chosen is titled Mobile Video Augmented Reality for Spatial Navigation.
Specification, design and prototype development of an Augmented Reality interface for mobile phones to aid the navigation of a space (exhibition, university campus, urban space, etc.) through video content. Using an Augmented Reality toolkit, the contents and interaction scenarios will have to be specified in accordance to a particular space/user group.
So far, I have looked up papers on Augmented Reality and have a good background on that. I have papers on Mobile Technology, and Open Air Museums that I have yet to read and I'm sure there is a lot more research to be done on that online.
The Beginning...
Welcome,
This blog is to take you through the development of my Final Year Project, known from here on out as my FYP, and taking a look at the interesting, and maybe not so interesting topics I come across as I go.
