MobiCoStream: Real-time collaborative video upstream for Mobile Augmented Reality applications

MobiCoStream, an acronym for Mobile Collaborative upStream, refers to Real-time video upstream of captured video in Mobile Augmented Reality (MAR) applications. MAR for tele-assistance deals with providing real-time assistance to the user through the power of Augmented Reality. Real-time applications have strict delay requirements which need to be met in order to satisfy the user Quality of Service (QoS). Mobile communication still being in its third generation, limits the availability of high up-link bandwidth for video transmission. The problem is tackled by means of Bandwidth Aggregation through which the hand-held devices in the vicinity, collaborate with the user to achieve real-time video up-link and maintain the user QoS. In this paper, we present the actual results pertaining to the prototype implementation of the proposed system. Also presented are some simulation results, by viewing the multiple hand-held devices as a virtual Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) system and in turn considering the popular Alamouti scheme in this context.