Increasingly, virtual reality therapy (VRT) technologies are being used to augment pediatric rehabilitation. The mechanisms underlying success/failure of VRTs are not well understood. This thesis proposed an innovative 3-phase framework for evaluating VRT technologies with respect to neuroplasticity based on results of a scoping review of 21 studies. A case study was undertaken to demonstrate use of the framework to design and evaluate ‘Musical Steps’, a VRT technology aimed at promoting heel contact in toe-walking children. 5 therapists and 4 children were engaged in this study. The system accurately detected 88%(SD=7%) of heel contacts and was rated positively in usability testing (phase 1). Feasibility studies indicated that, while enjoyable, children did not understand the feedback provided and hence, heel contact was not increased (phase 2). These findings will direct future reiterations prior to evaluating clinical impact (phase 3). The proposed framework may enhance design and translation of therapeutically relevant VRTs.

Object detection is the initial step in any image analysis procedure and is essential for the performance of object recognition and augmented reality systems. Research concerning the detection of edges and blobs is particularly rich and many algorithms or methods have been proposed in the literature. This master‟s thesis presents 4 most common blob and edge detectors, proposes method for detected numbers separation and describes the experimental setup and results of object detection and detected numbers separation performance. Finally, we determine which detector demonstrates the best results for mobile augmented reality system. / Objektų aptikimas yra pagrindinis žingsnis vaizdų analizės procese ir yra pagrindinis veiksnys apibrėžiantis našumą objektų atpažinimo ir papildytosios realybės sistemose. Literatūroje gausu metodų ir algoritmų aprašančių sričių ir ribų aptikimą. Šiame magistro laipsnio darbe aprašomi 4 dažniausiai naudojami sričių ir ribų aptikimo algoritmai, pasiūlomas metodas aptiktų skaičių atskyrimo problemai išspręsti. Pateikiami atliktų eksperimentų rezultatai, palyginmas šių algoritmų našumas. Galiausiai yra nustatoma, kuris iš jų yra geriausias.

In today’s world, we live in a technologically advanced environment where information access is huge and limitless. The advantage to this is that, people are able to create more information, share and communicate with each other instantly on the go regardless of where they are in the world. However on the downside, with endless information, it becomes confusing and difficult to filter which information is right for a person’s need. This goes hand-in-hand for business companies, as it requires strategic processes and tools to identify the information from the market, store and evaluate it into meaningful insights and lastly communicate it efficiently so that the value of it is not lost along the way. Therefore this study focuses on how augmented reality (AR) as an emerging digital technology is able to dissect and communicate information and bring value to those who are implementing it. What is more interesting in this study is to see the usefulness and ease of using AR from commercial and non-commercial aspects in B2B field. This study was conducted through a qualitative research approach with semi-structured interviews with five companies providing and using AR applications. In conclusion, AR brings value by transferring data faster and communicating it effectively through visualization of integrating computer-generated information with the real world as one. From commercial aspect, companies could use this technology in their marketing communication to increase customer involvement and perception of the brand. In contrast, from non-commercial perspective, companies could use AR as an internal resource to increase efficiency in operation process.

The miniaturization of projection technology has enabled a new class of lightweight mobile devices with embedded projectors. Projection engines as small as a postage stamp are currently being embedded in thousands of mobile devices. Mobile projector-based devices differ in very fundamental ways from the display-based devices we commonly use. Mobile projectors can be carried with the user and project imagery into almost any space, projected content is visible to multiple users and supports social interaction, physical objects and surfaces can be augmented with projected content, and embedded projectors can enable new form-factors for mobile displays. This research investigates the potential of mobile projectors as a new platform for human-computer interaction. I aim to demonstrate that the unique affordances created by the miniaturization of projection technology can inspire new and compelling interaction with single-users, multi-users, the environment, and projector-embedded objects. This research presents a comprehensive survey of mobile projector-based interaction – documenting interaction with historic projection devices; introducing novel interaction techniques, metaphors, and principles for mobile projector-based systems; providing implementation details of functional prototype devices using mobile projectors; presenting technical innovations, such as the development of specialized projectors and custom marker tracking algorithms; and detailing results from preliminary user testing with the prototype systems created. This research forms a systematic investigation of the past, the present, and a possible future for interaction using mobile projectors.

一個進步的文明城市，公共區域建築物內皆設有無障礙空間設施以照顧社會弱勢的族群，使這些族群享有同等使用社會資源的權利。同樣的，在電腦科技日新月異的當下，某些人在享受科技帶來的資訊及便利，某些人則因使用介面的障礙而無法同等享受其便利，因而形成人機介面所造成的數位障礙。 電腦虛擬世界和現實世界本是涇渭分明，由於電腦科技的進步及人們的需要在現實世界中擴增虛擬訊息成為可能。憑藉擴增實境的應用及使用者互動方面的研究，來改善人機介面造成的數位障礙，讓更多不同族群的人享有資訊科技帶來的好處。 上述的數位障礙中，最普遍的族群是幼年與年長者，其通常亦是最需要醫療照護的族群；因此本研究以一個醫療衛教為主題實例，著重預防重於治療的前提，研究醫護人員如何讓一般民眾了解特定疾病或傷害的基本知識；用於在平時或治療前、治療後的醫病溝通，欲有助於減少特定疾病引發一連串成本較高的治療程序，進而減少醫療資源的使用，使全民健保預算有效運用。 人機介面是為溝通真實世界與電腦虛擬世界，因此在本研究中以實例運用目前主流的圖形使用者介面(Graphic Uesr Interface, GUI)的操作模式下，提供以有形使用者介面(Tangible User Interface, TUI)，以一個腦部虛擬實境的衛教應用，加上擴增實境技術，將教材內容具象化、內容可視化、可操作化，建立一個數位弱勢族群(如老人、小孩)易於使用的互動介面環境。

This dissertation presents the god-like interaction framework, consisting of tools and techniques for remote communication of situational and navigational information. The framework aims to facilitated intuitive and effective communication between a group of experts and remote field workers in the context of military, fire-fighting, and search and rescue.

Augmented Reality (AR), a concept where the real word is being enhanced with computer generated objects and text, has evolved and become a popular tool to communicate information through. Research on how the technique can be optimized regarding the technical aspects has been made, but not regarding how typography in three dimensions should be designed and used in AR applications. Therefore this master’s thesis investigates three different design attributes of typography in three dimensions. The three attributes are: typeface style, color, and weight including depth, and how they affect the visibility of the text in an indoor AR environment. A user study was conducted, both with regular users but also with users that were considered experts in the field of typography and design, to investigate differences of the visibility regarding the typography’s design attributes. The result shows noteworthy differences between two pairs of AR simulations containing different typography among the regular users. This along with a slight favoritism of bright colored text against dark colored text, even though no notable different could be seen regarding color alone. Discussions regarding the design attributes of the typography affect the legibility of the text, and what could have been done differently to achieve an even more conclusive result. To summarize this thesis, the objective resulted in design guidelines regarding typography for indoor mobile AR applications.

Découvrir les environs tout en marchant à l'aide d'un appareil mobile est désormais possible en associant les nouvelles technologies telles que la réalité augmentée (RA) et les services basés sur la localisation. De nombreuses applications mobiles ont été conçues à cet effet récemment. Les environs d'un utilisateur en mouvement sont présentés sur l'écran de son appareil mobile en utilisant les données de géo-localisation et elle peut interagir avec son environnement grâce à une couche d'information numérique superposée sur la scène capturée. Toutefois, la quantité d'informations géo-référencées produites et accessibles augmentant chaque jour, il y a un besoin croissant d'une approche générique qui vise à présenter l'information de manière structurée et adaptée aux différents domaines d'application et à la diversité des profils des utilisateurs.Notre travail se concentre sur la définition d'un modèle de données pour les objets 3D destiné à être intégré dans des applications de RA mobiles. Le modèle de données que nous proposons donne accès à l'information spatio-temporelle et thématique disponible sur les objets du monde réel. Alors que la réalité augmentée semble être bien adaptée pour la recherche d'informations à partir de la localisation, la plupart des approches basées sur la RA se concentre sur des scénarios spécifiques à un domaine d'application. D'autre part, le nuage des données ouvertes et liées (LOD Cloud en anglais) est un ensemble en constante extension de données structurées et publiées sur le Web. Il contient donc de grandes quantités d'informations à références spatio-temporelles qui peuvent être exploitées par les applications mobiles et présentées en utilisant la RA pour favoriser l'interaction. Dans notre recherche, ce nuage du Web des Données sert de source principale d'information au cours de l'expérience de découverte des environs à l'aide de la RA proposée à l'utilisateur.À cette fin, nous publions sur le Web les objets 3D correspondant aux objets du monde réel en utilisant notre modèle de données, ce qui permet de les lier avec le nuage du Web des Données. De fait, un objet du monde réel peut être représenté selon trois dimensions d'information : thématique (qui décrit les rôles ou fonctions de l'objet), spatiale (à travers sa géométrie 3D), et temporelle (par la période qui correspond à son existence). De plus, chaque changement dans la vie d'un objet du monde réel est représenté dans le modèle par des informations sémantiques. En conséquence, sur son appareil mobile, l'utilisateur visualise une vue de RA construite avec des modèles 3D légers et transparents. Il peut interagir avec ces objets de RA afin d'accéder aux informations relatives aux objets du monde réel correspondants qui se trouvent aux alentours et vers lesquels il pointe son téléphone mobile. Ces objets de RA permettent à l'utilisateur de construire mentalement la relation référentielle entre les objets virtuels et réels, tandis que le développeur de l'application mobile peut créer des expériences basées sur des thématiques différentes disponibles à travers sur le nuage du Web des Données (architecture, histoire, gastronomie, loisirs, etc.).En nous appuyant sur cette base de connaissances conceptualisée, nous proposons une architecture appelée ARCAMA-3D (Réalité Augmentée et 3D pour les applications mobiles sensibles au contexte), dont les modules permettent aux concepteurs et développeurs de créer leurs propres applications de RA pour différents domaines en étant en mesure d'étendre le modèle de données, de lier les modèles 3D avec d'autres ensembles de données ouvertes et liées disponibles dans le nuage, et d'alimenter ces applications de découverte à partir de sources de données spécifiques. Notre proposition est illustrée sur le cas d'étude que constitue le Monastère Royal de Brou, en France, à travers un scénario de cas d'utilisation pour un utilisateur visitant ce monument historique. / Discovering the surroundings while walking using a mobile device is now possible by coupling new technologies such as Augmented Reality (AR) and location-based services. Many mobile applications have been designed for that purpose recently. The surroundings of the user are presented on the screen of her mobile device using the location data and she can interact with her environment through a digital information layer superimposed on the captured scene. However, since the amount of geo-referenced information increases every day, there is a growing need for a generic approach that aims at presenting information in a structured manner and adapted to different application domains and users profiles.Our work focuses on the definition of a data model for 3D objects to be used in mobile AR applications. The data model we propose prioritizes access to available spatiotemporal and thematic information about real-world objects. While Augmented Reality appears to be well-suited for searching location-based information, most of the AR approaches focus on domain specific scenarios and we observe that there is no generic data model dedicated to information search and discovery that could be re-used in various AR applications. On the other hand, Linked Open Data (LOD) cloud is an ever-growing set of structured and interlinked datasets published on the Web. It contains vast amounts of spatiotemporal information that can be exploited by location-based mobile applications and presented using AR for fostering interaction. In our research, the LOD cloud serves as a basis for information retrieval during the AR experience of the user.For this purpose, we first publish 3D objects that correspond to real-world objects (buildings, monuments, etc.) on the Web by using our data model and interlink them with data sources on the LOD cloud. Then, using our data model, any real-world object can be represented by three informational dimensions: themes (describing the roles or functions of this object), space (through its 3D geometry), and time (the period linked to its existence). Each change in the life of a real-world object is represented in the model by semantic information following the LOD publishing principles. This allows a binding between the content of our data model and the LOD cloud. As a consequence, on her mobile device, the user visualizes an AR view built with light and transparent 3D models. She can interact with these AR objects in order to access to information related to the corresponding real-world objects of her surroundings she is pointing at. These AR objects allow the user to mentally construct the referential relationships between virtual and real-world objects, while the mobile application developer can create experiences based on different concepts found on the cloud (thematic and temporal concepts, etc.). This way, the LOD cloud, as a growing and updated structured source of semantic data, becomes the main source of information and facilitates knowledge discovery in AR applications.Using this conceptualized knowledge base, we propose our architecture, called ARCAMA-3D (Augmented Reality for Context Aware Mobile Applications with 3D), whose modules allow application designers and developers to create their own AR applications for different domains by being able to extend the data model, bind 3D models with other data sources on the LOD cloud, cover a selected part of LOD and feed their application only with these specific data sources. We develop our ideas working on the case study of the Royal Monastery of Brou, in France, and implement a use case scenario for a user visiting the monastery.

In an ever-changing and demanding world where short assembly and innovation times are indispensable, it is of paramount importance to ensure that the machinery used throughout the whole process of a product are in their best possible condition. This guarantees that the performance of each machine will be optimal, and hence, the process times will be the shortest possible, while the best quality products are obtained. Moreover, having a machine in an impeccable status permits making the necessary changes to it, in order to fulfil the requirements that a more advanced or complex product may have. Maintenance operations and their corresponding trainings have historically been time-consuming, and a vast amount of information has been transmitted from an expert to a newer operator. This means that there has been the need of working with experienced operators to secure that a good service is provided. However, different technologies like augmented reality (AR) have been shown to have a positive impact in the support and monitoring of operators in industrial maintenance operations.The present project gathers information in regard to the framework of AR, with the aim of supporting and monitoring operators in industrial environments. The proposed method consists on the development of an artefact, which would lead to a possible improvement of the already existing solutions. It is believed that the development of an AR application could grant the necessary aid to any operator in maintenance operations. The result of this suggestion is an AR application which superimposes visual information on the physical equipment.

Abstract Natural ageing brings with it many physical and cognitive impairments in the elderly, which challenges them in independently performing their daily activities. Many assistive technologies such as alarms, mobile phones, and video conferencing are available to support the elderly and their caregivers. However, these technologies require constant interaction and attention. Augmented Reality (AR) can be used to remotely guide the elderly in their daily tasks. From all known techniques, projection-based AR is suitable for the elderly because the digital information can be displayed on any real surface or any object without interaction or holding the devices. This doctoral thesis focuses on developing solutions to remotely guide the elderly in their daily activities through a caregiver. We adopted the design science methodology to iteratively design, implement and evaluate these solutions. Two constructs were developed for navigation activities utilizing laser projection and four constructs were built for cooking activities using fixed projection. We evaluated each construct in terms of feasibility and usability with actual elderly people, some of them have some form of memory problem. The results demonstrate how remote collaboration systems can be developed to guide the elderly in daily activities through a caregiver. The existing devices can be equipped with projection-based AR technology and elderly are willing to use it. The findings also suggest that augmented reality could help design systems for other daily activities such as shopping, or cleaning dishes, in order to improve the autonomy, quality of life, safety and well-being of the elderly. / Tiivistelmä Vanhusten ikääntyminen tuo mukanaan fyysistä ja kognitiivistä kunnon heikkenemistä, mikä haastaa heidän kykyään suoriutua päivittäisistä askareistaan. Apuvälineet, kuten erilaiset varolaitteet, puhelimet ja videoneuvotteluyhteydet, ovat vanhusten ja heidän avustajien käytettävissä. Nämä apuvälineet vaativat yhteydenpitoa ja huomiota. Lisättyä todellisuutta (AR-tekniikkaa) voidaan käyttää etäopastamaan vanhuksia päivittäisissä askareissa. Näistä tekniikoista erityisesti projektiopohjainen lisätty todellisuus soveltuu vanhuksille, koska opastustieto voidaan näyttää millä tahansa pinnalla tai esineellä vaatimatta vanhukselta toimenpiteitä ja käyttämättä laitteita. Tämä väitöskirja kohdentuu kehittämään ratkaisuja vanhusten päivittäisten tehtävien ohjaukseen etäällä olevan avustajan toimesta. Menetelmällisesti tämä tutkimus soveltaa suunnittelutiedettä, jossa ratkaisuja suunnitellaan, toteutetaan ja arvioidaan toistuvina iteraatiokierroksina. Työssä kehitettiin kaksi ratkaisua ulkotiloissa tapahtuvaan jalan liikkumisen opastukseen laser-valolla ja neljä ratkaisua sisätiloissa tapahtuvaan ruuanlaittoon kiinteästi keittiöön sijoitetuilla projektoreilla. Näiden ratkaisujen käyttökelpoisuus ja käytettävyys arviotiin käyttäjäryhmällä, joka koostui vanhuksista, joista osa kärsi muistin vajaatoiminnasta. Tulokset demonstroivat joidenkin kohteeksi valittujen toimintojen osalta, miten voidaan kehittää vanhusten päivittäisen toiminnan opastusjärjestelmiä, joissa on etäavustaja. Olemassa oleviin vanhusten käyttämiin käyttöesineisiin, laitteisiin ja tiloihin voidaan lisätä lisätyn todellisuuden valaistusvarustus. Tutkimustulokset antavat myös viitteitä lisätyn todellisuuden laajemmasta soveltuvuudesta muihinkin päivittäisiin toimintoihin, kuten ostoksilla käyntiin ja astioiden tiskaukseen, ja siten parantaa vanhusten itsenäistä selviytymistä, elämänlaatua, turvallisuutta ja hyvinvointia.