Augmented Viewport: Towards precise manipulation at a distance for outdoor augmented reality wearable computers

In this chapter we present our research directions on the problem of action at a distance in outdoor augmented reality using wearable computers. Our most recent work presents the augmented viewport technique to enable interactions with distant virtual objects in augmented reality. Our technique utilizes physical cameras to provide real world information from the distant location. We examine a number of factors required to achieve an efficient and effective solution for precise manipulation at a distance for outdoor augmented reality using wearable computers. These include the improved usage of physical cameras, collaboration, viewpoint visualization, alignment of virtual objects, and improved input devices. We particularly focus on the collaboration aspect of the technique, with the utilization of remote cameras from multiple users of wearable computer systems and mobile devices. Such collaboration supports precise manipulation tasks by allowing viewing from different perspectives, directions, and angles, as well as collaborative precise triangulation of virtual objects in the augmented environment.