GPlacencia.com

The Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Information Technology (FIT) has developed an augmented reality (AR) system for underwater use that outfits a scuba diver's mask with a display that overlays computer-generated virtual scenes onto real underwater surroundings. The AR technology is being explored to find applications for professional divers. Underwater use is a major challenge for technical systems, which have to be waterproof and robust enough to withstand the pressure of diving. FIT's AR system is a waterproof display in front of a diver's mask that allows the diver to see the real underwater environment as well as additional virtual objects. An ultra-mobile PC, worn on the diver's back, detects underwater markers in a video stream supplied by a camera on top of the diver's mask. The system uses pictures from the camera and data from inertial and magnetic field tracking of the diver's orientation to generate three-dimensional scenes. The researchers developed a prototype AR game that places divers in the role of an underwater archaeologist in search of a treasure chest. The researchers say the prototype game is a robust platform that could be used to develop technology to support professional divers in the maintenance of bridges, offshore oil rigs, or dams.