SPIRIT - Entertaining Encounters with Ancient History

Abstract

The paper describes the ongoing project "SPIRIT", in particular the design of novel and entertaining forms of heritage communications through mobile augmented reality. The SPIRIT concept is based upon a strong storytelling metaphor. By using mobile devices (smartphones, tablets) as "magic equipment", users can meet the restless spirits of historical characters. Beyond the use of mobile technology as a guide, our system enables enjoyable experiences of interactive storytelling, involving users as players. We describe the overall technical augmented reality concept that integrates positioning and media delivery technologies and a framework for structuring interactive narrative experiences. Further, we show our first use scenario that has been developed in collaboration with a Cultural Heritage site, a reconstructed Roman fort and archaeological museum. It includes a first working demonstrator that illustrates issues to be solved as a foundation for defining future work.