The aim of this project was to explore the WebXR Device API to find out the extent of its usefulness for creating augmented reality (AR) applications, as well as determine whether it is a valid platform independent alternative to the frameworks ARKit and ARCore. Exper- iments were conducted to measure its precision (the ability to persistently maintain virtual objects relative to the real world), its battery consumption and its frame rate stability. The results from the experiments are fairly positive, with the exception of some outliers among the precision and frame rate measurements. However, a number vital features are miss- ing from the API, and in its current state it only runs on Android in a specific version of Google Chrome. Thus, it is concluded that the API has potential, but it needs further de- velopment before it can be used commercially and be seen as a serious alternative to ARKit and ARCore.

Background: Augmented Reality has become a popular technology in recent years. Two of the most prominent AR APIs are ARCore, developed by Google, and We- bXR, an open standard for AR and Virtual Reality (VR) experiences on the web. A comparative analysis of the performance of these APIs in terms of CPU load, network latency, and frame rate is needed to determine which API is more suitable for cloud-based object visualisation AR applications that are integrated with Firebase. Firebase is a cloud-based backend-as-a-service platform made for app development.  Objectives: This study aims to provide a comparative analysis of the performance of the ARCore API and WebXR API for an object visualisation application integrated with Firebase Cloud Storage. The objective is to analyze and compare the performance of the APIs in terms of latency, frame rate, and CPU load to provide insights into their strengths and weaknesses and identify the key factors that may influence the choice of API for object visualisation.  Methods: To achieve the objectives, two object visualisation AR applications were developed using ARCore API and WebXR API with Firebase cloud. The frame rate, CPU load, and latency were used as performance metrics, the performance data was collected from the applications. The collected data was analysed and visualized to provide insights into the strengths and weaknesses of each API.  Results: The results of the study provided a comparative analysis of the performance of the ARCore API and WebXR API for object visualisation applications. The performance metrics of the AR applications, including frame rate, CPU load, and latency, were analyzed and visualized. WebXR API was found to be performing better in terms of CPU load and frame rate, while ARCore API was found to be performing better in terms of latency.  Conclusion: The study concluded that the WebXR API showcased advantages in terms of lower CPU load, and higher frame rates compared to the ARCore API which has reduced network latency. These results suggest that the WebXR API is more suitable for efficient and responsive object visualization in augmented reality applications.

With the increasing interest in Virtual/Augmented Reality, the next generation of application platforms is emerging in the form of immersive and engaging experiences. The company Dewire Knightec is exploring an application platform based on the web technology WebXR where users can interact with multiple applications simultaneously. However, numerous independent applications rendering content in the same 3D environment can lead to objects intersecting and occluding, leading to visual conflicts. In this thesis work, we discuss the concept of visual conflicts and avoidance strategies. We present a fully working prototype of a conflict mitigation framework for concurrent WebXR applications. The framework mitigates conflicts using two main collision avoidance strategies in the form of multiple render options and position offsetting. The proposed framework is demonstrated in a scenario where applications render contents on top of buildings in the user’s surroundings. By running multiple applications, a user can for example read a restaurant menu, see mall opening hours, and get travel directions simultaneously. The feasibility and efficiency of the proposed avoidance strategy in developed framework has been evaluated using a focus group of developers and software architects. After the evaluation, the framework can be summarized as a good foundation for future multi-application XR platforms.