A Novel Method Using 3D Interest Points to Place Markers on a Large Object in Augmented Reality

Abstract

Multiple markers are generally used in augmented reality (AR) applications that require accurate registration, such as medical and industrial fields. In AR using these markers, there are two inevitable problems: (1) geometric shape discrepancies between a real object and a virtual object, and (2) the relative positions of the markers placed on the virtual object and markers placed on the real object are not consistent. However, studies on applying multiple markers to a large object are still insufficient. Additionally, most studies did not consider these inevitable problems because the markers were subjectively placed (hereafter conventional method). In consideration of these problems, this paper proposes a method for placing multiple markers to provide accurate registration on a large object. The proposed method divides a virtual object evenly and determines the positions of multiple markers automatically using 3D interest points within the divided areas. The proposed method was validated through a performance comparison with the conventional method of subjectively placing markers, and it was confirmed to have more accurate registration.