Evaluation of image markers in marker-based mobile augmented reality application developed with Unity 3D and Vuforia SDK

Abstract:

Augmented Reality (AR) is an innovative technology that augments or overlays real environment with digital or virtual content. It is used to create a close to real life experience by using digital content to bring the user into a new reality. Augmented Reality vividly shifts the location, experience, possibilities and timing of education and training. Markers used in AR Textbooks differ and can affect the application efficiency. A marker-based mobile AR app was implemented using Unity 3D and Vuforia SDK. Image markers were evaluated using the mobile AR app developed. In the first experiment, RGB coloured image markers of two different sizes were detected by the AR application installed on mobile phones of varying specifications. In the second experiment, there was no significance difference in the speed of marker detection when RGB coloured markers were used and when greyscale markers were used by the same phone specification and mobile application The speed of marker detection and display of virtual content improved considerably while using high-end mobile phones than when using a low-end mobile phone. This shows that for marker-based mobile augmented reality applications developed using the Vuforia SDK, the colour of the image marker has no impact on the speed of marker detections. High-end mobile phones give a faster response time in the marker detection phase, while low-end mobile phones are slower. However, low-end devices can still be used for a good AR experience, especially in low-income communities.

Keywords: Augmented reality, Mobile application, Computer science, Image processing, Feature extraction.