ASTOR: An Autostereoscopic Optical See-through Augmented Reality System

• Main Authors: Olwal, Alex, Lindfors, Christoffer, Gustafsson, Jonny, Kjellberg, Torsten, Mattsson, Lars
• Format: Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Subjects: Augmented reality; autostereoscopy; Computing methodologies > Artificial intelligence > Computer vision > Image and video acquisition; Computing methodologies > Computer graphics > Graphics systems and interfaces > Virtual reality; Displays; Glass; Handheld computers; Holographic optical components; holographic optical element; Holography; Human-centered computing > Human computer interaction (HCI) > Interaction paradigms > Mixed > augmented reality; Human-centered computing > Human computer interaction (HCI) > Interaction paradigms > Virtual reality; Mirrors; Numerical analysis; Optical films; optical see-through; projection-based; Prototypes; system
• DOI: 10.1109/ISMAR.2005.15

We present a novel autostereoscopic optical see-through system for Augmented Reality (AR). It uses a transparent holographic optical element (HOE) to separate the views produced by two, or more, digital projectors. It is a minimally intrusive AR system that does not require the user to wear special glasses or any other equipment, since the user will see different images depending on the point of view. The HOE itself is a thin glass plate or plastic film that can easily be incorporated into other surfaces, such as a window. The technology offers great flexibility, allowing the projectors to be placed where they are the least intrusive. ASTOR's capability of sporadic AR visualization is currently ideal for smaller physical workspaces, such as our prototype setup in an industrial environment.