Augmented Reality techniques for museum environments

Research into indoor exhibition systems associated with the use of augmented reality technologies is very limited. In this paper, we propose an architecture that is capable of generating accurate 3D models using as input only a few photographs and then merging real and virtual information in a seamless way. We have experimentally applied two simple but effective ways of visualising incomplete or broken real objects as they were in their original state by superimposing their missing parts. To enhance the immersion and realism of the simulated environment, the system allows augmented exhibition of other modes of multimedia content such as textual and pictorial information within the 3D world space. Finally, human-computer interaction techniques are implemented to allow users to naturally manipulate the augmented scenarios.