Toward natural fiducials for augmented reality

Kitchin, Paul and Martinez, Kirk (2005) Toward natural fiducials for augmented reality. Woods, Andrew, Bolas, Mark, Merritt, John and McDowall, Ian (eds.) Stereoscopic Displays and Virtual Reality Systems XII, San Jose. pp. 571-578 .

Abstract

Augmented Reality (AR) requires a mapping between the camera(s) and the world, so that virtual objects can be correctly registered. Current AR applications either use pre-prepared fiducial markers or specialist equipment or impose significant constraints on lighting and background. Each of these approaches has significant drawbacks. Fiducial markers are susceptible to loss or damage, can be awkward to work with and may require significant effort to prepare an area for Augmented interaction. Use of such markers may also present an imposition to non-augmented observers, especially in environments such as museums or historical landmarks. Specialist equipment is expensive and not universally available. Lighting and background constraints are often impractical for real-world applications. This paper presents initial results in using the palm of the hand as a pseudo-fiducial marker in a natural real-world environment, through colour, feature and edge analysis. The eventual aim of this research is to enable fiducial marker cards to be dispensed with entirely in some situations in order to allow more natural interaction in Augmented environments. Examples of this would be allowing users to “hold” virtual 3D objects in the palm of their hand or use gestures to interact with virtual objects.

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Contributors

Author: Kirk Martinez

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