Abstract:

Tracking is an essential condition for Augmented Reality to happen. There are several tracking techniques, one of these techniques is tracking through cameras and markers. Due to its simplicity and its economic advantages, this tracking technology is widespread. For this study, we developed two different types of markers used in a textbook, a Fiducial marker, and a Natural image marker. Today fiducial markers are recognized as a symbol that means "in here there is a virtual object" but these markers are intrusive elements in the classroom and even more so in textbooks. They are almost secret images, that only can be read if they work together with a computer or smartphone and that by themselves have no meaning. With the Natural image marker, on the other hand, there is no signaling indicating the virtual object. The use of this marker allows the construction of more than one layer of information, the book printed infographics, and the virtual graphics. Its application requires, however, special care in combining the real with the virtual, which implies more development time and makes the project more expensive.

In this study, we describe the comparative analysis of using, in a textbook, a Fiducial marker versus a Natural image marker. This research involved a quasi-experimental study with 30 students in an elementary school. The results show that the Natural image marker can have a positive impact on the perception of understanding, innovation, adequacy, expectation, and understanding of the students. The results also indicate no significant differences between Natural image markers or fiducial markers on satisfaction and emotional induction.

Keywords:

Augmented Reality Textbook, Fiducial Markers, Natural Image Markers, Design, Tracking.