Augmented reality (AR) for assembly processes - an experimental evaluation

A PAL-video-camera (Toshiba ACM 413 E with 2.2 mm lens) and a HMD were connected to a Silicon Graphics Workstation O2 (SGI). As the HMD, a clip-on display (MircoOptical) with a 640x480 resolution was used. The clip-on display can be used like other HMDs in video see-through mode. It works like a little monitor in front of the user's eyes which covers just a small part of his field of view. The assembling person was not restricted by the inconveniences of the video see-through mode. Test subjects have to grasp a little wooden cylinder in a box. By passing a flap to accede to the cylinder the workstation gets a mouse signal to write the time into a log-file and to show the assembly position on a pegboard with 48 holes in the clip-on display. For the tests 12 apprentices and students with similar practical experience in mechanics and electronics were selected.