Using SLAM-based technology to improve directional navigation in an Augmented Reality game

Abstract: Augmented reality (AR) gaming, where the real world is overlaid with objects or information to create new gaming experiences, is one of the latest trending technologies. This is due to increases in development tools, mobile device availability and mobile device performance. This thesis compared an existing augmented reality treasure hunt game, based on image tracking, with a prototype based on simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) to find differences and improvements in this genre. It was found that the SLAM based prototype that drew treasure hunt hints into the world using AR was significantly more fun to use and also more challenging than the game based on image tracking. This could be used to create AR games for broader demographics as well as make existing experiences more immersive and engaging. More studies could be conducted in this area. Both to find more differences between the technologies in different circumstances and also to investigate other AR navigation systems.