Learn to use a digital tool thanks to this article, then we will show you how program augmented reality and what are the best tools.
Schedule augmented reality
Augmented Reality (AR) is a digital tool used to optimize and mix virtual objects or images over real ones in real time. This interactive combination can be programmed using various tools, keep reading and you will learn how to do it.
As Tim Cook, Apple's CEO, put it: “Augmented Reality (AR) encompasses more than Virtual Reality (VR) because it gives us the ability to be present and communicate and, simultaneously, to enjoy other things on a visual level . It will be the next revolution, as was the Smartphone at the time.
Brief history about Augmented Reality
In 1992, the name Augmented Reality came up, proposed by Thomas P. Caudell, the creator of the Boeing 747, Thomas suggested superimposing the PC screens with an installation guide so that engineers would not waste time looking for information on the assembly of the plane. Back then, this idea was unsuccessful, but it sparked one of the brightest digital ideas yet.
Later, with the arrival of an interactive Pokémon GO game in 2016, Augmented Reality became popular due to the characteristics of the game itself. However, already in other areas, how in the health sector, in the education sector and in architecture AR was beginning to be used, with excellent results.
Features about Program Augmented Reality
Basically the AR, consists of adding information by superimposing elements either in 3D or 2D, on a real environment. It is not necessary to use accessories other than the camera and software of your mobile device.
AR is widely used in different professional branches to optimize projects and exhibitions, such as architecture, graphic design, education, medicine, among others.
Helps to generate impact on a brand or product, AR is an excellent tool when presenting an innovative proposal or project. By having more experience programming Augmented Reality, the application can be deepened by adding more complex interactions.
The difficulty of using AR may vary depending on the objective to be achieved. If you only want to see 3D figures over an area or interacting in a game, or in more difficult animations, that require the use of buttons, motion detection or proximity to other objects.
The programming time in AR can vary from hours to weeks, depending on the quality of virtual objects or images or the interactions that you are going to combine.
If you wish you can go to the article of Put computer in Windows 10 domain in it you will learn a little more about this topic.
Better Tools
To create projects with AR you can download different tools, which are programs or applications from your cell phone, Ipad, Tablet or CPU. You do not need to be an expert programmer to use these applications properly; When programming Augmented Reality, the most used tools are:
U
It is a simple and easy-to-use tool, it is the game engine most used today in video development. It can be used on cell phones and tablets, to get Unity 3D you must:
- Download the Unity 3D software on the unity3D.com page, when adding (/ es) all the information appears in Spanish.
- Click on the button: Get Unity.
- Select the Free version at the beginning (to use freely for a month), it has limitations.
- You can also select the Plus license that costs $ 25 or the Pro version $ 125 (these versions offer more editing tools, technical support and time).
- After having selected the chosen Unity version, the download will proceed, clicking next and then finish.
- When opening the Unity 3D application, several actions will be observed: Create projects or Learn through tutorials.
- Select the project option, enter the name that was assigned to it.
- Indicate the location or folder where the project will be saved.
- Select the dimension according to preference, between the 2D and 3D options, the latter recommended for Augmented Reality.
- Finally click on «Create Project» Unity will automatically start a blank project to modify.
What to do once the project has started in Unity?
First you must wait for the application tools to load and then search Java JDK on Google and install the ideal version for the operating system of your mobile device, among several links. It is also important to have Android Studio, when downloading it an interface appears, you must choose: Configure> SDK manager; It is recommended to select the Android Studio 7.0 version, but this will depend on the equipment.
At this point, you can go to Unity, start creating Augmented Reality projects. For more details on how to Program Augmented Reality with Unity, we recommend the following video:
Google arcore
Incredible Augmented Reality (AR) experiences can be created. Since 2017 Google introduced this version, which can easily be used from your mobile device, through various application programming interfaces.
This useful tool will create a map of the environment, using the cell phone camera to implement AR. Arcore applies three elements of great importance:
- Motion detection: It is used to locate the position of the object in relation to its surroundings, within a map.
- Surface analysis: This is done by scanning different characteristics of the environment, such as the size and location of different surfaces (floor and walls).
- Light detection: This application will perceive the intensity of the surrounding light and will be able to accommodate itself to the light and darkness of the place, using the cell phone camera sensors.
In conclusion, this application will analyze different points of interest such as elements of the environment, surface and luminosity. When moving the camera, Arcore will automatically estimate where these elements are in relation to the added object, harmoniously integrating the object with the real environment that surrounds it.
With all this information, the added element will perceive the movement of the camera and can interact with it, so that a real interaction with a virtual object is seen through the lens. Google shows what kind of devices are compatible with Arcore to program augmented reality.
Blippar
Another platform to program Augmented Reality for free, although you can also buy versions with more editing options. To carry out an Augmented Reality process under the Blippar platform:
- Enter the official website of Blippar.
- Click on Log in.
- If you have an account, you must attach your email and password. If you do not have an account, you must register by writing your name, email, city and indicate the use, whether for business, personal or educational.
- Read and accept the terms of use conditions.
- Confirm that you are not a robot.
- Later, create an account.
How to program using Blippar?
Start by writing your email and password; When entering the platform, you must click on your projects and choose the option "Create new project", here you must indicate the name that you are going to give the project. Then follow these steps:
- Create a Blipp, this represents the activating image in the Virtual Reality experience that you are creating.
- You can see that in the grid the Blipp will be loaded in 2D or 3D.
- In this program you can see different options between texts, geometric figures, colors and actions that will interact with Blipp.
- You can also add audios, and different elements of information that can help you in marketing campaigns.
- In the same way, contact information such as social networks and telephone numbers can be attached.
This application offers the option to add PDF files and links that take you to different pages such as: Pinterest, Instagram, Sound Cloud, Spotify, Twitter, Youtube, among others.
nba art
Here you can access entertaining sections of Augmented Reality. In the first section, it allows you to enter the basketball court and see how the players interact, through 360 portals, providing you with an extraordinary visual and auditory experience.
In the second section, you can play with great basketball players, not only see a basketball court, but insert a ball into the hoop by moving the cell phone, creating the atmosphere of a real NBA game.
Quiber
It is an Augmented Reality application aimed at children, where they can, through packages, print drawings, color them and scan them with the application. The scanned drawings will come to life on your mobile device, thanks to Augmented Reality.
Quiber offers packages of drawings to download for free, but like other applications, they also offer Premium packages that are paid.
Dance reality
A very useful Augmented Reality application that will give you dance classes, with a virtual instructor, for free or Premium; In these classes, we can see the teacher from behind and take the pace that he indicates. Likewise, you can scan your feet with the mobile device, which will copy your footprints marking the steps to be replicated.
kings of pool
This application is for people who like this game, they can experience its environment, recreated with objects such as: pool tables, cues and balls in the space where you are, through your cell phone or tablet.
You have the option of playing against the machine, against a robot or playing online. This Augmented Reality program will give you the experience of believing that you are playing at a real pool table, performing different actions when moving the cell phone.
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