Manual de instalação, configuração e uso da caixa de areia de realidade aumentada (SARndbox)

Abstract

This manual provides instructions for the installation, calibration and use of an Augmented Reality Sandbox (SARndbox). The SARndbox is an installation that aims to integrate an Augmented Reality system to topographical models physically created, which have their surface scanned in real time. These models are used as background for a variety of graphical effects and simulations. The final product is an installation comprising a computer, a projector, a depth sensor and a box containing material that can be manipulated, such as sand, to create topographies interactively and with low need for supervision by an expert. The manual provides guidelines on the use of the SARndbox translated from English to Portuguese, describing step by step the whole process of installation and calibration. Furthermore, some usage suggestions are presented, aiming to contribute to its use in Education, and Research in Environmental area. These suggestions have been tested in a SARndbox implemented at the Federal University of Technology - Paraná (UTFPR), campus Campo Mourão. The methodology adopted for the development of the project involved bibliographic research on natural user interfaces and its devices (characteristics, terminology, available technologies, applications and state of the art); organization of a tutorial for installing and configuring the necessary software environment; and the creation of scripts containing suggestions for the use of the system. The SARNbox has been proven to be an interesting educational tool, since it converges the use of non-conventional interfaces and the teaching activity, as well as several studies. This convergence allows the activities of students, professionals and teachers to make sense, from the beginning to the elaboration of strategies to act autonomously. Furthermore, the interface allows the student to explore more extensively the educational material through active and sensory interactivity. Building a prototype showed the feasibility of the tool, affordable for various educational institutions.