Integrating Hypermedia Techniques with Augmented Reality Environments

Author:

Patrick Sinclair

Email:

metade-at-gmail.com

Advisor:

Kirk Martinez

Award Date:

2008

Institution:

University of Southampton

Institution Location:

Southampton, UK

Web Location:

http://eprints.ecs.soton.ac.uk/14088/1/thesis.pdf

Abstract:

Augmented Reality systems, which overlay virtual information over the real world, can benefit greatly from the techniques established by the Open Hypermedia research field. Storing information and links separately from a document can be advantageous for augmented reality applications and can enable the adaption of content to suit users’ preferences. This thesis explores how Open Hypermedia systems might be used as the information systems behind AR environments. This provides benefits to augmented reality developers, not only because of the existing Open Hypermedia methods but also because of the applicability of Open Hypermedia interaction techniques to the augmented reality domain.

Tangible augmented reality techniques, in which graphics are overlaid on physical objects that can be manipulated as input devices, can be used to interact with the resulting information spaces by exposing the adaptation processes in the Open Hypermedia systems. This thesis describes the development of various physical interaction metaphors that allow users to physically manipulate the underlying hypermedia structures to their liking, resulting in a natural and intuitive way to navigate complex information spaces.