Methods for Motion Detection in Paper Mechanisms for Tangible Augmented Reality Interfaces

Augmented reality connects the physical world with digital environments, offering users enriched experiences for various applications, including entertainment, education, and marketing. There are proposals for tangible augmented reality interfaces, with paper mechanisms standing out due to their wide range of designs and low construction cost. These mechanisms simulate circular, lever, or linear movements along one or multiple axes, serving as tools for manipulating objects in virtual environments. This article presents prototypes of tangible interfaces based on paper mechanisms utilizing sliding tabs and incorporating elements such as ArUco markers for detecting displacement along a single axis. The tests were conducted in a controlled environment with specific lighting conditions, progressively varying the distance between the camera and the proposed mechanisms. The results highlight the advantages and disadvantages of the employed techniques, demonstrating that good motion detection accuracy can be maintained. This facilitates the direct manipulation of virtual objects for augmented reality applications.