A QR Code-Based Approach to Differentiating the Display of Augmented Reality Content

The augmented reality (AR) system requires markers to recognize and locate virtual objects on the screens of mobile devices. However, both markers and objects must be registered via the online platform in advance. In addition, an AR marker can only pair with a fixed set of virtual objects, limiting the flexibility and immediacy of changing and updating these data. This paper incorporates the quick response barcode (QR code) into the AR system to address these issues. We propose an algorithm with two vital goals, including (1) generating differentiated virtual objects for different target users by using only one QR code as the marker and (2) concealing different private authentication in QR modules by applying the error correction capability. We then demonstrate the proposed approach via a simulation of two practical scenarios, the electronic catalogs for business applications, and differentiated instructional materials for digital learning. This paper contributes to AR and QR code research and practices.