Development of an AR-Based Information System in Hololens using Google Earth and Unity3D
Juin-Ling Tseng, Hon-Jie Lee, Chun‐Hsien Lee · International Journal of Advanced Studies · 2017
The so-called augmented reality (AR) enables users to observe the real world by adding 3D virtualization technology to enhance their sensory perception. The AR technology not only shows the information in the real world but also displays virtual 3D information. Visually, users can see the real world around them by integrating the real world and computer graphics using an AR head-mounted display. The major AR technologies largely comprise multimedia, 3D modeling, real-time video display control, multi-sensor integration, real-time tracking and identification, scene fusion, etc. In general, AR should have three major characteristics: 1) integration of the information in the real world and the virtual world; 2) real-time interaction; 3) addition and positioning of 3D virtual objects to the 3D space. Currently, the AR technology can be applied to various relevant fields such as military, medical, architectural, educational, and engineering. To enhance the application of AR, this research develops an AR information system, using Google Earth for assistance in establishing 3D scenes and Unity3D for achieving the interactive mechanism required for the system (such as gesture operation). The system allows users to watch the content of the 3D scene via the head-mounted AR device Hololens, and obtain real information more accurately. Experimental results show that this system can allow users to see both the 3D virtual scene and the reality image via Hololens and operate the dynamic objects in the 3D scene via gestures.