What is markerless augmented reality?

Markerless augmented reality (AR) is a mechanism that maps virtual content onto the real world without using physical markers. In contrast, the marker-based approach selects reference points from the real world and uses them to map virtual objects onto the real world. The markerless approach uses sensors, cameras, and computer vision algorithms to comprehend the user’s environment. Using the data from input devices and computer vision algorithms, it determines the position and orientation of virtual objects in the real-world setting. Moreover, markerless AR systems can accurately place virtual content through an in-depth analysis of visual data, depth information, and other sensor inputs.

The processes involved in markerless AR

• Computer vision: These algorithms take input data from cameras and record distinct features in the environment, including edges, corners, and textures from the camera feed. This information is essential to decide the orientation or position of the virtual objects in the real environment.

• Depth sensing: These mechanisms gather additional data about the distances between virtual objects and the environment. This includes input devices such as depth cameras. The data collected by depth sensing is integral to better the accuracy of virtual object placement and environmental interaction.

• Natural feature tracking (NFT): This process records distinct environmental features to determine reference points for the AR model, including the edges of real objects and the textures of different materials present in the environment.

• SLAM (simultaneous localization and mapping): This method maps a real-world setting while keeping track of the virtual object within that environment. With assistance from input devices such as sensor data, images, and depth information, SLAM algorithms construct a 3D real-world model and calculate the position of the virtual objects in that model.

• Visual-inertial Odometry (VIO): This technique uses a combination of visual information with movement data to predict the object’s movement and positioning.

Advantages and limitations of markerless AR

While markerless augmented reality offers several advantages that make it a popular choice for various applications, it also has limitations. We will go over these in the table below.

Applications of markerless AR

• Retail and e-commerce: Markerless AR allows users to visualize a product in their environment before buying.

• Interior Design: Markerless AR allows users to visualize their decor ideas before making any decisions.

• Navigation: Markerless AR significantly increases the utility of navigation applications by enabling them to overlay directions and additional route information to their users.

• Gaming: Markerless AR is essential to virtual reality games by creating interactive games that react to the user’s environment without any markers.

Conclusion

Markerless augmented reality (AR) exhibits a spectrum of advantages and limitations that influence its practicality across diverse scenarios. On a positive note, markerless AR enhances the user experience by eliminating the need for physical markers, providing a more natural and intuitive interaction. It seamlessly integrates digital content into real-world environments. However, the intricacy of markerless AR arises from its dependency on sophisticated computer vision algorithms for object recognition and tracking. The challenge of achieving robust and accurate tracking, especially in environments with low-light conditions or dynamic scenes, is evident. Despite these hurdles, markerless AR continues its evolution propelled by technological advancements, and its suitability is contingent upon the specific requirements and constraints of the intended application. As the field advances, addressing these challenges is likely to contribute to the ongoing growth and integration of markerless AR across various domains.