From reality to augmented reality: Rapid strategies for developing marker-based AR content using image capturing and authoring tools

This paper builds on the authors' previous work with Augmented Reality (AR) technology, where interactive three-dimensional (3D) content was developed and combined with traditional printed materials to enhance the visualization and understanding of technical information. In this study, we describe a method to rapidly create custom marker-based AR content using 3D data from real objects and an authoring tool developed in-house. We present a two step process, where 3D geometry is generated automatically by capturing and processing a series of photographs of a real object and subsequently converted to an AR element that can be linked to a unique marker and used with a marker-based AR system. This system provides an opportunity for instructors to quickly and effortlessly create their own AR content to support their innovative teaching practices.