Mobile Marker-based Augmented Reality as an Intuitive Instruction Manual

Abstract: Instruction manuals are supposed to be used to ensure safe and proper use of medical devices. The instruction manuals could be paper or digital docu- ments, animations or videos. Conveying information and instructions through these media might not be the most efficient approach, especially in healthcare where physicians and nurses experience high cognitive load and prefer hands-on experience with the devices [1]. This thesis investigates how a possibly more efficient and intuitive instruction manual could be developed using mobile marker-based Augmented Reality; a technology that combines a virtual and physical world. By analyzing and comparing different marker-based Augmented Reality sys- tems and Software Development Kits (SDKs), the most suitable system, in terms of availability and functionality, was chosen for the implementation. Two mobile AR instruction manual prototypes were developed, as a proof-of-concept, using Unity3D with Qualcomm’s Vuforia extension. The resulting prototypes demonstrate the opportunity to integrate informa- tion and instructions in our physical world and the difficulties associated with the interaction and user experience with the relatively novel Augmented Reality interface.