A Multi-User Collaborative AR System for Industrial Applications

Augmented reality (AR) applications are increasingly being used in various fields (e.g., design, maintenance, assembly, repair, training, etc.), as AR techniques help improve efficiency and reduce costs. Moreover, collaborative AR systems extend applicability, allowing for collaborative environments...

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Main Authors: Junyi Wang, Yue Qi
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2022-02-01
Series:Sensors
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8220/22/4/1319
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author Junyi Wang
Yue Qi
author_facet Junyi Wang
Yue Qi
author_sort Junyi Wang
collection DOAJ
description Augmented reality (AR) applications are increasingly being used in various fields (e.g., design, maintenance, assembly, repair, training, etc.), as AR techniques help improve efficiency and reduce costs. Moreover, collaborative AR systems extend applicability, allowing for collaborative environments for different roles. In this paper, we propose a multi-user collaborative AR system (aptly called the “multi-user collaborative system”, or MUCSys); it is composed of three ends—MUCStudio, MUCView, and MUCServer. MUCStudio aims to construct industrial content with CAD model transformation, simplification, database update, marker design, scene editing, and exportation, while MUCView contains sensor data analysis, real-time localization, scene loading, annotation editing, and virtual–real rendering. MUCServer—as the bridge between MUCStudio and MUCView—presents collaborative and database services. To achieve this, we implemented the algorithms of local map establishment, global map registration, optimization, and network synchronization. The system provides AR services for diverse industrial processes via three collaborative ways—remote support, collaborative annotation, and editing. According to the system, applications for cutting machines were presented to improve efficiency and reduce costs, covering cutting head designs, production line sales, and cutting machine inspections. Finally, a user study was performed to prove the usage experience of the system.
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spelling doaj.art-d1da6acb9a92410c82e4170bdf3a7fa92023-11-23T21:57:41ZengMDPI AGSensors1424-82202022-02-01224131910.3390/s22041319A Multi-User Collaborative AR System for Industrial ApplicationsJunyi Wang0Yue Qi1State Key Laboratory of Virtual Reality Technology and Systems, School of Computer Science and Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, ChinaState Key Laboratory of Virtual Reality Technology and Systems, School of Computer Science and Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, ChinaAugmented reality (AR) applications are increasingly being used in various fields (e.g., design, maintenance, assembly, repair, training, etc.), as AR techniques help improve efficiency and reduce costs. Moreover, collaborative AR systems extend applicability, allowing for collaborative environments for different roles. In this paper, we propose a multi-user collaborative AR system (aptly called the “multi-user collaborative system”, or MUCSys); it is composed of three ends—MUCStudio, MUCView, and MUCServer. MUCStudio aims to construct industrial content with CAD model transformation, simplification, database update, marker design, scene editing, and exportation, while MUCView contains sensor data analysis, real-time localization, scene loading, annotation editing, and virtual–real rendering. MUCServer—as the bridge between MUCStudio and MUCView—presents collaborative and database services. To achieve this, we implemented the algorithms of local map establishment, global map registration, optimization, and network synchronization. The system provides AR services for diverse industrial processes via three collaborative ways—remote support, collaborative annotation, and editing. According to the system, applications for cutting machines were presented to improve efficiency and reduce costs, covering cutting head designs, production line sales, and cutting machine inspections. Finally, a user study was performed to prove the usage experience of the system.https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8220/22/4/1319augmented reality systemmulti-user collaborative systemcollaborative localizationindustrial applications
spellingShingle Junyi Wang
Yue Qi
A Multi-User Collaborative AR System for Industrial Applications
Sensors
augmented reality system
multi-user collaborative system
collaborative localization
industrial applications
title A Multi-User Collaborative AR System for Industrial Applications
title_full A Multi-User Collaborative AR System for Industrial Applications
title_fullStr A Multi-User Collaborative AR System for Industrial Applications
title_full_unstemmed A Multi-User Collaborative AR System for Industrial Applications
title_short A Multi-User Collaborative AR System for Industrial Applications
title_sort multi user collaborative ar system for industrial applications
topic augmented reality system
multi-user collaborative system
collaborative localization
industrial applications
url https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8220/22/4/1319
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