Augmented reality and image recognition based framework for treasure hunt games

Abstract

The scavenger hunt and treasure hunt game categories are relatively well-known. The main idea of these games is to reach different checkpoints and execute specific tasks at these locations. There are many successful games based on this idea, like Geocaching. There are also some frameworks for building games, like Scvngr, but generally these frameworks have some disadvantages. The placement of real physical objects (“treasures”) could be expensive, GPS-based localization cannot be used inside buildings etc. The lack of generality could be a problem, as well. A general framework for the development of augmented reality-based, multiplayer adventure games is proposed. The framework can be used for creating online treasure hunt or scavenger hunt games for mobile devices. The “treasures” can be virtual 3D objects, appearing as a part of the augmented reality. The integrated image recognition support offers new possibilities in game creation and customization. GPS-based localization is combined with image recognition based localization, in this way the created applications can be used inside buildings, as well.