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
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
In conclusion, the Mobile Augmented Reality Application system
developed by
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
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