Robust mobile computing framework for visualization of simulated processes in Augmented Reality

Visualization of engineering processes can be critical for validation and communication of simulation models to decision-makers. Augmented Reality (AR) visualization blends real-world information with graphical 3D models to create informative composite views that are difficult to replicate on the computer alone. This paper presents a robust and general-purpose mobile computing framework that allows users to readily create complex AR visual simulations. The technical challenges of building this framework from the software and hardware perspective are described. SMART is a generic and loosely-coupled software application framework for creating AR visual simulations with accurate registration and projection algorithms. ARMOR is a modular mobile hardware platform designed for user position and orientation tracking and augmented view display. Together, SMART and ARMOR allow the creation of complex AR visual simulations. The framework has been validated in several case studies, including the visualization of underground infrastructure for applications in excavation planning and control.