Visualisation in Augmented Reality
- AR situation: installation instructions are projected into the user’s field of vision through special goggles
Augmented Reality Technology
The Augmented Reality (AR) technology is a form of human-machine interaction where reality is augmented by information generated by the computer. This can be, e.g., texts, symbols, and 3-D models. In order to make Augmented Reality usable, special display units are required, such as head-mounted displays (HMD). The user puts on an HMD and perceives both the real surroundings he is in and additional information generated by the computer. Information is projected onto the real surroundings according to the respective context, i.e., at exactly the spot that is related to the information. Example: a car mechanic wants to check a motor. He puts on an HMD, eyes the motor and is shown the work steps by arrows, diagrams, and texts projected directly onto the motor. If in a certain work step he has to remove a cover, the order in which he has to unfix the screws will be indicated by arrows popping up sequentially. Additionally the mechanic will be shown the direction of rotation and the tools he needs.
AR Visualisation of a Convoy
In Augmented Reality, simulated RailCabs will run directly on the test track. While a real RailCab is in operation the virtual ones are projected into the user’s field of vision. Along with the real RailCab they make up a convoy, with the real one taking the lead.
- Control Room and AR-Visualization of Convoy Formation
Analysis of simulation data
The Augmented Reality application enables lifelike visualisation in the immediate surroundings, thus an analysis of the convoy formation. As a result different simulation data of a RailCab can be analyzed, e.g., its speed or the distance to the RailCab running in front. The information is directly visible on the RailCab.
User tasks such as monitoring the convoy formation or comparing simulated and real RailCabs can be supported by visualizing the simulation data.
- Visualisation of simulation data