Mobile Augmented Reality Application (MARA)

 

Group 7

Alicia Hastings, Matt Campbell and Paul Webber


Key Words: mobile augmented reality, virtual reality, mobile imaging device,

sensor-based


New research at the Nokia Research Center in Helsinki, Finland­, has lead to a project called Mobile Augmented Reality Applications (MARA) that will give a new perspective on cell phone use and augmented reality.  By combining GPS and other sensors to the Nokia 6680, the application will provide video see-through mobile augmented reality.  The new technology enables users to find locations by highlighting them on-screen, provides URL association with virtual objects, facilitates “Find a Friend” and may, also, enable the user to switch to map use.  This paper outlines some of the features, functionalities, advantages and disadvantages of MARA, Sensor-Based Mobile Augmented Reality Application.

 

The MARA system implements hand-held, video-see through augmented reality for Nokia 6680 mobile imaging devices equipped with sensors.  The system utilizes sensors as follows: position is provided by a GPS receiver, accelerometers provide relative orientation and a tilt compensated magnetometer is used to determine heading. If the exact location and orientation of a camera is known, along with the properties of the lens, it is possible to determine exactly what parts of the scene are viewed by the camera.  Since these sensors give the approximate location and orientation, it is possible to annotate the viewfinder screen with information about real world objects, once the device is focusing on those objects.

 

The device’s on-board camera is used for image acquisition and the on-board screen for rendering, including annotations. All the annotation data and additional map images are downloaded from external services on the Internet through a cellular network connection. The system is based upon a light-weight and portable standard platform. It requires no additional devices beyond the sensors. The platform also has excellent capabilities for network connectivity and mobility.

 

In the mobile-augmented-prototype, a user can point a phone’s camera at a nearby building; the system will calculate the building’s location and information to identify it.  The user may then receive location information, advertising or access to a company’s web service.  Also with the “find a friend” feature, one may take a picture of a person and later be able to find him or her in a crowd.  Finally, a map is available by holding the wireless device flat, which is very convenient for commuting within large cities.

 

 

 

A few problems still exists with this technology are reduced battery life and low internet and GPS connectivity.  Because of added hardware and complex computing, current batteries produced by Nokia are unable to sustain operation for a long period of time.  Also, low internet and GPS connectivity caused by large buildings in the city or foliage in forests may damper the product’s abilities to connect to remote databases.

 

Obviously, certain competitive advantages are associated with this emerging technology.  Nokia is the first in the cell phone industry to explore augmented reality.  If the company is able to successfully manufacture the technology, it should market well.  The location sensors, GPS, accelerometers and magnetometer, are all easily accessible and have relatively low costs.  The most difficult part will be “packaging” the extra hardware into a mobile device.

 

Companies and organizations will find Nokia’s MARA system useful, as well.  Advertising is such a major role today’s market, and it is increasingly evident with emerging technology.  This technology will provide companies cheaper advertisement than television commercials, radio advertisements and even some forms of push technology provided by private sources to connect with current or future customers.

 

Also, individuals will be at an advantage by owning a mobile augmented reality device.  For example, imagine driving along the beach in beautiful Miami, Florida.  There are hotels on each side of the street, many of which appear extremely expensive.  While in the vehicle, the mobile device will allow you to research the hotels’ websites, which could provide information on rates, vacancies, special advertisements, and etcetera.  Now, the owner of this mobile augmented reality device has buying power and can make an informed decision quicker than walking into each hotel lobby to ask the price of room, just to turn around and leave.

 

In conclusion, the Mobile Augmented Reality Application system developed by Nokia Research Center implements hand-held, video-see through augmented reality mobile imaging devices equipped with sensors.  Its functions provide exact location, directions, and web access to the on-screen business, organization and/or landmark, “friend finder”, and a map.  The technology will be beneficial to may entities including individuals, companies, organizations.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

References

 

Jonietz, Erica. (2007). TR10 Augmented Reality.  Retrieved April 12, 2007, from Technology Review’s Web site:

http://www.technologyreview.com/read_article.aspx?ch=specialsections&sc=emerging&id=18291.

 

 

Kahari, Marcus, Murphy, David (2007).  MARA.  Retrieved April 15, 2007, from Nokia Research Center’s Web site: http://research.nokia.com/research/projects/mara/index.html.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mobile Augmented Reality Application (MARA)

Group 7

 

1. 

What does MARA Stand for?

 

A.  

Mobile Augmented  Reality Application    

 

B.  

Mobile  Applications Research Awareness

 

C.  

Mobile Awareness Research Association

 

D.  

Management Application Reality Association   

 

 

 

 

2. 

What company has developed a phone that uses Sensor-based MARA?

 

A.  

Sprint    

 

B.  

Nokia

 

C.  

Cingular

 

D.  

Alltel   

 

 

 

 

1. 3.3. 2.3.

What are the benefits of MARA system?

 

A.  

Enable users to find locations easily    

 

B.  

URLs can be associated with virtual objects

 

C.  

Find a friend capabilities

 

D.  

All of the above   

 

 

 

 

4. 

What are the disadvantages of using MARA?

 

A.  

Reduces battery life    

 

B.  

Low internet connectivity  and GPS connectivity

 

C.  

Both A and B

 

D.  

None of the Above   

 

 

 

 

5. 

What must one do to switch from augmented reality to top-down map view in Nokia’s MARA system?

 

A.  

Hold the phone upside down     

 

B.  

Put the phone in water

 

C.  

Point the phone towards the sun

 

D.  

Hold the phone flat   

 

 

 

 

6. 

What model phone did Nokia use in its research?

 

A.  

Blackberry    

 

B.  

Razor V3

 

C.  

Go phone

 

D.  

Nokia 6680   

 

 

 

 

7. 

What hardware must be included to operate a MARA system?

 

A.  

Sensors    

 

B.  

GPS 

 

C.  

Camera

 

D.  

All of the Above   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Answers to Multiple Choice Questions:

1.  A

2.  B

3.  D

4.  C

5.  D

6.  D

7.  D