Collinear Dash-and-Dot Markers for Fast AR Fiducial Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fiducial markers face issues such as large space requirements, occlusion problems, confusion with background elements, and slow identification, which hinder their effectiveness in Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) systems.
Innovation Solution
The use of optically readable markers comprising a dash and two collinear dots of the same size and shape, arranged in a pattern, allows for rapid detection and position determination through image transformation, enabling efficient identification and orientation of marked entities, even in resource-constrained devices like smartphones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional fiducial markers are used, then marker detection can be achieved, but the markers require large space and are prone to occlusion and confusion with background elements
Solution Approach 1:
The marker is segmented into distinct geometric elements (dash and two dots) arranged in a specific collinear pattern. This segmentation allows the marker to maintain high detectability while reducing overall size, as each element serves a specific functional purpose in identification and position determination.
Solution Approach 2:
The marker employs asymmetric arrangement of its elements - a dash and two dots in a specific collinear configuration. This asymmetric pattern distinguishes the marker from symmetric background elements and reduces confusion, while the compact asymmetric design minimizes space requirements compared to traditional symmetric fiducial markers.
2Measurement precision
If traditional fiducial markers are used, then marker identification can be performed, but the identification process is relatively slow
Solution Approach 1:
The marker design incorporates pre-defined geometric relationships (collinear arrangement of dash and two dots with specific size and spacing ratios) that enable rapid preliminary identification. The processing unit can quickly verify marker presence by checking these predetermined geometric constraints before performing full position determination, significantly reducing identification time.
Solution Approach 2:
The marker utilizes specific parameter relationships (relative sizes and spacings of elements) that optimize both detection speed and accuracy. By encoding identification information in the geometric parameters rather than requiring complex pattern matching, the system achieves fast and accurate marker identification simultaneously.
3Reliability
If traditional fiducial markers are used, then position determination can be achieved, but the markers are confused with background elements or characters
Solution Approach 1:
The asymmetric collinear arrangement of a dash and two dots creates a unique pattern that is unlikely to occur naturally in background elements or text. This asymmetric configuration serves as a distinctive signature that enables reliable marker detection even in cluttered environments, reducing false positives from background confusion.
Solution Approach 2:
The marker elements (dash and dots) utilize high-contrast optical properties that distinguish them from background elements. The specific arrangement and visual characteristics of these elements create a detectable signal that differs from typical background patterns, enhancing marker reliability in various visual environments.
Data Source
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AI summary
An optically readable marker comprises a dash and two dots arranged in a pattern to allow detection of the marker, wherein the dash and dots are collinear, and wherein the dots are of the same size and shape and adjacent to each other. Multiple such optically readable markers may be combined into a composite marker, optionally with one element (i.e. a dash or a dot of the marker) being at least partially shared between two or more markers.