VISIT: A Content Management and Exploration System for Mobile Augmented Reality in the Context of Digital Humanities and Cultural Heritage

Abstract

We present in this article an augmented reality system called VISIT designed to deliver content about artworks to visitors. This system aims to simplify the use of augmented reality by allowing (non-computer) users to define content and place it in 3D around an artwork. VISIT is composed of two main generic elements with respect to historical or artistic content: a Web interface allows to represent in a cloud all the necessary information (sites, areas, artworks, media) to define the augmented reality content that visitors will see. Its use is simple and accessible to non-computer specialists and does not require additional software development or special hardware. A mobile augmented reality application under Android will use this content and deliver it to the visitor on his/her smartphone. The application automatically detects the presence of the artworks and then places the 3D content as specified in the Web interface. The visitors can choose the elements that interest them. The user’s actions are recorded and allow site managers to analyze their behavior. VISIT is operational and we tested it in the context of a large-scale exhibition at the Château d’Azay-Le-Rideau in France. We conclude with the progress achieved as well as the limits and perspectives of our work.