D Markers: Ubiquitous dynamic makers for augmented reality

Abstract

This paper presents "dMarkers", a concept of "dynamic markers" or markers that can change for marker technologies for Augmented Reality (AR) technologies. Here, by dynamic we mean markers that can change or morph into different markers which could open up various new possibilities through technologies such as AR. To impelment this technology we use a combination of thermochromic inks and peltier semiconductor elemnts to achieve a subtly changing animated display for paper and fabric materials. The key feature of this technology lies within its ability to animate the material itself without embedding any separate displays. Thus this technology is used to subtly animate various patterns for markers to be used as dynamic markers. As a proof of concept, we implement the dMarkers for Quick Response (QR) codes. In our implementation we present generating various QR codes for paper and fabric based materials. (Fabric is used in this case to explore the future possibility of implementing the dMarkers with clothes) We present the successful detection of these dMarker QR codes by a third party QR code reader on a smartphone. Upon discussion of these results and some limitations of the current technologies, we move on to discuss various applications including the use of this technology in AR as a novel dimension for interaction in Augmented Reality. © 2011 ACM.