Augmented reality using GPS

This paper describes a prototype system to be developing using GPS (Global Positioning System) as a tracker in order to combine real images with virtual geographical images in real time. To cover long distances, this system is built using a monitor-based configuration and divided into two parts. One is the real scene acquisition system that includes a vehicle, a wireless CCD camera, a GPS attitude determination device and a wireless data communication device. The other is the processing and visualization system that includes a wireless data communication device, a PC with a video overlay card and a 3D graphics accelerator. The pilot area of the current system is the part of SERI (Systems Engineering Research Institute) which is the institute we are working for now. And virtual objects are generated with 3D modeling data of the main building, the new building to be planned, and so on in SERI. The wireless CCD camera attached to a vehicle acquires the real scenes. And GPS attitude determination device produces a wireless CCD camera's position and orientation data. And then this information is transmitted to the processing and visualization part by air. In the processing and visualization system, virtual images are rendered using the received information and combined with the real scenes. Applications are an enhanced bird's-eye view and disaster rescue work such as earthquake.