Iterative design of augmented reality device in Yuanmingyuan for public use

Yuanmingyuan, once called "Garden of all gardens," was built during the Qing dynasty in 1707. Unfortunately, it was destroyed and burnt down by foreign forces in the 1860s and what were left there are only ruins of huge stone columns. Considering its high value in art and significance in history, debates on whether it should be reconstructed as a tourist attraction or preserved as a symbol of Chinese recent history have been ongoing. To help provide an answer, we present the iterative design of a device, which is based on the Augmented Reality (AR) technology and can be used for the digital reconstruction of Yuanmingyuan. The proposed device can superimpose virtual palaces on the current site to link the past with the present for its users. In order to make the proposed system suitable for public use, the system had been redesigned during the last few years. Key technologies of mechanical tracking for registration and dual-channel eyepieces for stereo display are discussed. To address problems that might result from public trials, the iterative design is illustrated from a Function-oriented AR-ViewI to a User-oriented AR-ViewII and an AR-ViewIII. After the basic functions of the technology have been identified, we pay closer attention to making it more convenient and comfortable for use. The proposed AR-View was pilottested for commercial operation during the Chinese national day golden-week holiday. Feedback from more than 400 users shows that it has the potential to be used for wide applications in similar historical sites.