Augmented Reality for Computer games Unity3D and Vuforia

Unity3D and Vuforia

Vuforia is an Augmented Reality Software Development Kit (SDK) for mobile devices that enables the creation of Augmented Reality applications. It uses Computer Vision technology to recognize and track planar images (Image Targets) and simple 3D objects, such as boxes, in real-time

Augmented Reality tutorial using Unity3D and Vuforia

This is one of the simplest Augmented Reality tutorial using Unity3D and Vuforia. Camera is pointed to the image target, which is recognized, tracked and virtual character added on top of it.

Download # Unity3D (download and install it) (*.exe file)

Unity3D is also available to download from here

Download # Download and Import Unity3D Extension (*.unitypackage file)

Unity3D extension is also available to download from here

Download # Download and Import EdgarasArt tracker in Unity3D  (*.unitypackage file)

You can create your own tracker here

Download # Print this image to augment the content  (*.jpg file)

Download # The same resized image to 512×512 pixels  (*.jpg file)

Download # Download Whole Project EdgarasArt files (the result)  (*.rar file)

Just wanna share some knowledge after I deliver a talk a few months ago. It was about Augmented Reality (AR) for Computer games. A brief about game art and concept and detail out the state of the ARt.


Qualcomm - the winners of its 2010 Augmented Reality Developer Challenge at Mobile World Congress. Qualcomm SDK - for the web, iPhone, iPad, PC, Mac, Wii, Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, as well as Android. Qualcomm's AR SDK for Android and iOS smartphones and tablets is now available for download. This SDK will enable a new generation of AR applications that enable interactive 3D experiences to take place on everyday objects.

Current trends for games:

• Apple iPad2 is the second generation iPad for Apple with iOS 4.3 (upgradeable to iOS 4.3.1) platform. Nitro JavaScript engine / No Adobe Flash.
• The good features of Galaxy Tab is the voice and video calling and video conferencing facility, communicate through speakerphone or your Bluetooth headset. Support to Adobe Flash Flayer - platform Android 2.2
• Motorola Xoom the first device to run on Google’s next generation mobile operating system Android OS 3.0 Honeycomb, which is entirely designed for tablets
• Acer Aspire Iconia Tab A501 uses Android 3.0 with a redesigned UI. Honeycomb is more futuristic - resembles with Motorola Xoom in internal specification

Read More

ARTag : SDK demonstrating AR

Demo AR Programs using ARTag

There are four main programs demonstrating AR (augmented reality) using ARTag; , <3d_augmentations>, and . The first two have two versions, one with “_usb.exe” for most cameras such as USB webcams, and the second “_dragonfly.exe” is for the Point Grey Dragonfly camera from Point Grey Research (www.ptgrey.com) often used in university labs that gives better performance and was used by myself in ARTag development.

1. The program uses the “base0” image and just draws a few graphics primitives and a textured logo image relative to the marker array, its purpose is to be a simple example for people programming with the SDK.

2. The <3d_augmentations> demo is more interesting, it was used to create the images at the first page of this document. This program uses the “base0” array, and the individual toolbars. To save space in the download, and for permission reasons, only 5 models are provided in the demo and SDK download; fish, Chihuahua, car, frog, and can of asparagus model.

If you run this application, aim the camera at the base0 and toolbar arrays and you should see 3D virtual objects rendered relative to them.
Fiala (2004) has developed new system called ARTag was inspired by ARToolkit. ARTag was taking advantage of the increased computing processing power available. ARTag uses more complex image processing and digital symbol processing to achieve a higher reliability and immunity to lighting

Read More

Camera Resolution : Setting Resolution Problems

Camera Resolution: Bigger = Better Performance, Setting Resolution Problems

The larger the input camera image is, the smaller the markers can be and still be detected, and the less the JPEG artefacts will disturb the detection. Unfortunately the OpenCV cvcam interface that was used in these demos is not able to properly set the camera resolution, it usually defaults to a lower resolution such as 160x120 or 320x240.

The camera resolution should not be confused with the resolution of the graphics window, the demo program window can be 640x480 when the camera resolution is only 160x120. The picture of the background will just appear grainer and more pixelated. The system will work better if the camera can be set to a higher resolution.

Some users have found that if they run another program where you can set the camera resolution first, then it will run with a higher resolution when you run the ARTag demos. For some, the programs downloaded from http://www.shrinkwrapvb.com/ezvidcap.htm seem to do the trick on some computers.

Read More

Google SketchUp : 3D modeling for architecture

Google SketchUp

...is a 3D modeling program that can be used to make models that integrate with Google Earth. Like Google Earth, SketchUp is a software download.

...currently upgraded SketchUp 6 Pro to SketchUp 8. The pro version comes with additional export options and support.

Do not expect Google SketchUp to compete with professional products like Autodesk Maya. SketchUp is nowhere near this level of sophistication. However, SketchUp does not require years of constant use to master.

Creating a model for Google Earth is easy. With both Google Earth and SketchUp open, the view from Google Earth can be imported into SketchUp with the touch of a button. Once modeling is complete, press the place model button, and the model moves into your copy of Google Earth.




Models created in CAD software can be imported to SketchUp and SketchUp models can be ported to CAD software. In theory, there can be a two way street. In this article, we will show that while CAD models can be moved into SketchUp and worked on, it is not feasible to go in the opposite direction.

SketchUp feels like an architectural modeling program. SketchUp even offers a variety of "sketchy" textures for models, and SketchUp Pro has a rendering option to make 2D renders look like they're architect's sketches.

Google SketchUp is a great tool for beginners or anyone looking for a simple way to make simple 3D objects. It's ideal for students in areas like interior design, where 3D models would enhance their presentations.

Downloaded material :

Tutorial Introduction to SketchUP

Exporting SketchUp models to CAD software

Read More