Science Education Laboratory
The Augmented Laboratory
An augmented reality setup for Physics Education
The Augmented Laboratory (AL) is an augmented reality setup for Physics Education. It is based on the capability of obtaining 3D reconstructions of scientific experiments which can be visualised both live as they are performed and later as interactive playbacks. The software, entirely designed and coded by the author, simply requires a common computer and a 3D camera (in this video a Kinect was used). By adding a projector to the setup, we can use the full potential of augmented reality, representing all the desired information directly on the physical objects and environment. For example, we can look at the trajectories of the tracked objects and of their centre of mass, or we can project directly on any surface to display its basic properties, such as altitude and level curves, and more advanced data, such as its gradient or divergence. We can also bring a new concept in educational laboratories, that of "augmented simulations", which are the result of the interaction of a computer simulation with the physical world.
3D, multiple-object tracking
Using this simple setup, with a 1-second calibration, the software is capable of 3D, multiple-object tracking [1]. The result of the tracking may be directly seen on the computer monitor (live or as a playback). All informations that can be derived from the trajectories (velocity/acceleration vectors, energies, momenta, the center of mass of the system…) can be displayed in this virtual environment.
Augmented experiments
By adding a projector to the setup, we can use the full potential of augmented reality, representing all the desired information directly on the physical objects and environment. For example, we can look at the trajectories of the tracked objects and of their centre of mass, or we can project directly on any surface to display its basic properties, such as altitude and level curves, and more advanced data, such as its gradient or divergence.
Augmented simulations
We can also bring a new concept in educational laboratories, that of “augmented simulations”, which are the result of the interaction of a computer simulation with the physical world. An example shown in teh pictures is teh ripple tank where it can be visualized the pattern followed by water when in contact with different kind of obstacles or sources.
Work in progress
This prototype includes all the features listed above but still requires fine-tuning on details and calibration before it can be sold as a product for use in schools, the ultimate goal of this project.