Augmented Reality

What is AR?
Augmented reality is when you use real life two-dimensional markers and film that with a camera, then in real time a computer renders 3d graphics over those markers so that when one looks at the screen the illusion is created that there is more than there really is. This can be used for a myriad of things such as education or entertainment.

How does it work?
The beautiful thing about AR is that it does not require any special hardware. You will need a printer, a camera and a computer with a screen. The rest is software based. The software uses the camera to film in real time. Two-dimensional markers that have been printed out with a conventional printer will be our 'objects'. When those are held in front of the camera the software recognizes them as the markers. It then places 3d objects over the video it is putting out.

Where do I get this software?
Go to www.arsights.com and click on download. Then proceed to download the program, the markers and the google earth plugin. Then go to the ARsights homepage where one can browse and download the different models. These come in .arsight files.

How do I run the program?
Once installed print out a marker and glue or tape it to a nice flat, mobile surface such as a clipboard or a piece of wood. Now run the program by opening a .arsight file. The program should now launch. From here on all one needs to do is hold the marker in front of the camera and see the program at work.