Merging augmented reality based features in mobile multimedia museum guides

Augmented Reality (AR), a computer science field considered by many as a subfield of the broader concept of Mixed Reality, could alter dramatically the way we interact not only with computers but also with the real environment surrounding us, as well as with other human beings. Augmented Reality has so far been used for applications linked with military training, medicine, maintenance, architecture and urban planning, tourism, and entertainment. This last category embraces museums, considered by many not only as research and exhibition spaces but also as important informal learning environments. Does Augmented Reality has the potential to break into museum and exhibition environments and revolutionize the way we see, approach and comprehend the exposed exhibits, alongside with more traditional interpretation and communication methods? This presentation examines both the state of the art in Augmented Reality Applications for Cultural Heritage and Mobile Multimedia Guides for the museum setting, proposing an Augmented Reality approach for the last. A taxonomy of augmented and non augmented functions is proposed, aspects of the development are presented and reasons that could favor or slow down the integration of Augmented Reality in mobile museum guides are tackled down. The potential mutual benefits both for the Augmented Reality community as well as for cultural heritage professional are also presented briefly.