Implementation of an inbound corresponding smartphone application using markerless image processing augmented reality technology

Abstract

We have developed an inbound corresponding smartphone application based on markerless image-processing augmented reality technology for use by zoo visitors and staff. On this application, we implemented an animal quiz distribution function and an animal character hunting function. We also implemented a web system on which the administrator can update the contents handled by these functions in real time. The proposed application negates the need for newly installing multilingual guide boards for foreign zoo visitors. Moreover, the web system enables the real-time updates of the contents used in smartphone applications. Here we confirmed the operability, relevance, readability, applicability, and effectiveness of the mobile application and content management web system in a questionnaire survey of 57 zoo visitors and 14 zoo staff. The survey results of all five measures revealed an overwhelmingly positive response to our mobile application and content management web application.