Tackling Problems of Marker-Based Augmented Reality Under Water

Abstract

Underwater sites are a harsh environment for augmented reality applications. Obstacles that must be battled include poor visibility conditions, difficult navigation, and hard manipulation with devices under water. This chapter focuses on the problem of localizing a device under water using markers. It discusses various filters that enhance and improve images recorded under water, and their impact on marker-based tracking. It presents various combinations of 10 image improving algorithms and 4 marker detecting algorithms, and tests their performance in real situations. All solutions are designed to run real-time on mobile devices to provide a solid basis for augmented reality. Usability of this solution is evaluated on locations in Mediterranean Sea. It is shown that image improving algorithms with carefully chosen parameters can reduce the problems with visibility under water and improve the detection of markers. The best results are obtained with marker detecting algorithms that are specifically designed for underwater environments.

Integrating augmented reality, gesture recognition, and NLP for enhancing underwater human-robot interaction

“… The project will focus on the development of an AR interface that integrates real-time 3D perception and visualization technologies, specifically tailored for underwater applications. This integration is expected to augment divers' situational awareness and facilitate more effective interaction with the underwater environment [53][54][55].  It will also implement gesture recognition capabilities, enabling the intuitive transmission of commands to robotic systems by leveraging existing technological frameworks and algorithms [31].…”