Augmented Reality

Recently had the opportunity to evaluate some Augmented Reality Tools. Below is my take on those tools :

Layar and Junaioare Location Based Augmented Reality services, but they also provided support Marker Based Augmented reality. Most of analysis below is clearly focused on Marker Based Augmented reality.

Layar

Summary
Layar Architecture uses GPS for sending request to Layar Server and eventually to POI (Point of Interest) endpoint. It mandates the Layers to be created on their public site.




POI Endpoint
As pictorially shown below the Layar server talks to a service end point which in turn returns the information related to POI (Point of Interest). This POI is used
By the Layar Client i.e. the AGR (Augmented Reality) Browser to overlay the information over an image. Layar documentation states that we would need
a Public web server to host this service.


Pros

1.Exposes Developer API for Layar Registration.

Cons

1.The layer(s) needs to be registered to the Layar public site; since we are looking at retailers it is not possible to host retailer internal data to public sites.
2.The support for marker based augmented reality is still in its nascent stages.

Junaio Glue by Junaio

The idea is to use Junaio's Glue Technology to attach 3D objects to Patterns.We still have to define the channels like layars on Junaio's Site. The Glue Channels help us upload matching patterns along with Models and information related to object to the Junaio site.

On the Mobile Client one would download Juanio and access the newly defined Channel. Junaio browser scans the pattern.

Advantages
1.Channels can be defined private, hence in a way security can be dealt with, though the secure approach adopted by Junaio may not match private enterprise data protection.
2.Callback URL similar in the lines Layar can be configured to define patterns to be matched and the object to be overlayed on top of an image.
3.The technology for Marker based Augmented Reality is mature.
4.Allows ability to write code for defining pattern matching.

Why not a feasible solution?

1.Callback URL that one configures for different channel needs to be public , for private enterprises this could be security hazard.

Unifeye SDK Metaio

A Comprehensive SDK for Tracking Markers and overlaying images on top of patterns. Using the SDK one can rapidly create an augmented reality application for the mobile device mentioned below.
• iPhone
• Symbian S60
• Windows Mobile
• Android

Architecture Diagram



Advantages
1.SDK Layer is the High level interface which a Mobile application developer can easily use.
2.Very effective Marker Matching Pattern SDK.
3.Sample Demo Applications to get started.
4.Good Documentation.

Artoolworks

The offerings by Artoolworks is great , but they come with licensing cost.
Hence cant comment on the same. I will still recommend Artoolworks since they are
in a way pioneers in Augmented Reality.

You want for free

AndAR (Android ARToolKit)is an open source tool kit for trying Augmented Reality. You want to get some thing up quick and dirty.. This is the tool for you.