Display of interactive 3D models in augmented reality on mobile devices

Abstract

This paper study is related to two research areas, namely 3D computer graphics and augmented reality with a combination of their display on mobile devices. It presents the creation of three different interactive 3D models based on a realistically drawn image of domestic animals and can be displayed on mobile devices using augmented reality. The textured animals' models are displayed in the application Augmented animals (slo. Obogatene živali) with a simple user interface. The usability of the application is demonstrated by the detection of the image target, i.e., a printed interactive card, which proves the interaction between the mobile device and the augmented paper. When the mobile device camera recognizes the target, it displays the selected animal on the screen. The result is the enhancement of the real environment with animated 3D characters. By displaying a 3D character on the screen and interacting with the user interface, the presentation of each animal in three different animated movements is enabled. The first empirical part of this work was done with the help of the Blender program, in which we created all three animal 3D characters. First, we had to model all the animals from the initial templates into a recognizable 3D mesh, which we then mapped the textures on. This was followed by the construction of a system of bones and animation controls, based on which we could create the animal animations. After this step, we transferred the project to the Unity program. Then it followed the construction of an application that allows the representation of characters in augmented reality. The results of the entire work are appropriately made animal characters in the form of animated 3D models that can be displayed in augmented reality mode on mobile devices using interactive cards. The selected testing parameters showed that there are certain differences in rendering between the two tested mobile devices depending on the selected subdivision level of the 3D character. However, for recognition based on lighting conditions, distance and slope between the image target and the mobile device, the best user experience is obtained when the image target is captured from a distance of 15-20 cm and from a bird's eye view under good lighting conditions.

Multisensory graphic presentation approaches of scientific data

“…Figure 15 shows a virtual walk through a culturally significant and protected building Montanistika (in Ljubljana), whose floors and walls contain priceless geological heritage. In addition, the image also shows a mobile augmented reality project with educational cards, where the bodies of selected animals and their movements were captured, stylized and visualized for the purpose of educating about animal movements and behaviour (Vrhovnik et al, 2020;Bergant, 2022).…”

Designing an Android-Based Educational Game for Fruit Recognition in Seruni Pertiwi Preschool

“…Several relevant studies have been conducted in the field of educational games and technology integration in learning. (Bergant & Tomc, 2022) developed an augmented reality application for learning about farm animals on the Android platform using Unity. The purpose of this study was to cultivate students' interest in learning and facilitate the delivery of educational content by combining education with augmented reality technology.…”