Development of an Augmented Reality system using ARToolKit

Development of an Augmented Reality system using ARToolKit and user invisible markers
1. Introduction
Virtual Reality (VR) has been around for quite some time and consequently has found
its way into many application areas. One area that Delft University of Technology is
investigating with their project Virtual Reality and Phobias is the application of VR to
the treatment of phobias. Results have been encouraging; virtual reality exposure has
shown to be as effective as in vivo exposure to fear of heigths, even with low budget
hardware [Emm02] [Sch00]. Currently is being investigated the use of VR for treatment
of claustrophobia and fear of flying.
Recently Augmented Reality (AR) also has been tried to be used in treatment of
phobias. At MedICLab, Technical University of Valencia, has been developed an AR
system for the treatment of phobia of small animals. Up until now only a limited
number of patients with fear of spiders and cockroaches were treated successfully
[Jua04]. However this gives a good perspective to try to apply AR to other type of
phobias as well. Currently is being investigated the use of AR for treatment of fear of
heights.
Many AR systems use a Head Mounted Display (HMD) to show a combination of the
virtual and the real world to the user. ARToolKit is a software library to create AR
applications that use physical markers in the real environment to determine where
exactly to overlay the virtual objects [Kat99]. Also the AR system at MedICLab is
based upon those two components. This has proved to function well, but the desire has
grown to have an AR system to work with user invisible markers. The main advantage
of this is that users are not able to perceive the markers which introduce a surprise effect
when virtual objects are overlaid. The effectiveness and reality factor of AR treatment
are expected to increase.
1.1 Research Goals
The research assignment is carried out as a preparation for the Master of Science Thesis
project in MedICLab, Technical University of Valencia. The project’s ultimate goal is
aimed at developing an AR system that uses invisible markers and is based upon
ARToolKit.
To actually be able to conduct the project itself, the condition that primarily needs to be
met is that the needed information is collected, processed and structured. The research
assignment will suffice to provide the background that is required and will mould the
obtained results into a structured report.
To be able in doing so, a clear problem definition needs to be articulated. The problem
definition, consisting of several elements, that will serve as guidance in the research
assignment is the following:
• Research the current state of the art on AR, and get acquainted with
ARToolKit.
• Find suitable hardware components for the implementation of detecting of
user invisible markers, that is, a suitable invisible medium, a camera to detect
that medium and a connection between the camera and a computer. The
camera should work together with ARToolKit.
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