GeoPointer – approaching tangible augmentation of the real world

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to present an architecture and prototypical implementation of a context‐sensitive software system which combines the tangible user interface approach with a mobile augmented reality (AR) application.

Design/methodology/approach

The work which is described within this paper is based on a creational approach, which means that a prototypical implementation is used to gather further research results. The prototypical approach allows performing ongoing tests concerning the accuracy and different context‐sensitive threshold functions.

Findings

Within this paper, the implementation and practical use of tangible user interfaces for outdoor selection of geographical objects is reported and discussed in detail.

Research limitations/implications

Further research is necessary within the area of context‐sensitive dynamically changing threshold functions, which would allow improving the accuracy of the selected tangible user interface approach.

Practical implications

The practical implication of using tangible user interfaces within outdoor applications should improve the usability of AR applications.

Originality/value

Despite the fact that there exist a multitude of research results within the area of gesture recognition and AR applications, this research work focuses on the pointing gesture to select outdoor geographical objects.

Citation

Beer, W. (2011), "GeoPointer – approaching tangible augmentation of the real world", International Journal of Pervasive Computing and Communications, Vol. 7 No. 1, pp. 60-74. https://doi.org/10.1108/17427371111123694