[OzCHI 2016] OptoBridge: Assisting skill acquisition in the remote experimental collaboration

Abstract

In this paper an experimental teaching platform named OptoBridge is presented which supports the sharing of the collaborative space for spatially distributed users to assist skill acquisition. The development of OptoBridge is based on augmented reality (AR) and integrates free-hand gesture interactions with the video mediated communication. The prototype is preliminarily applied in the optics field to promote skill execution in the case of the Michelson interferometer. OptoBridge enables the remote teacher to monitor the experimental scenario as well as the detailed optical phenomena through the transmitted video captured on the local side. Meanwhile the local learner equipped with the optical see-through head-mounted display (OSTHMD) can be indicated by virtual hands and augmented annotations controlled by the teacher’s gestures and follow the guidance to get their skills practiced. The implementation of OptoBridge is also presented, aimed at providing a more engaging and efficient approach for remote skill teaching.