Master the Creation of Image Targets with Vuforia Engine

Master the Creation of Image Targets with Vuforia Engine

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. Understanding Image Targets
3. Classic Way: Implementing Image Targets through the Vuforia Developer Portal 3.1 Setting up Unity with Vuforia SDK 3.2 Creating the Image Target Database 3.3 Uploading and Configuring the Image Target 3.4 Creating Augmented Content
4. New Way: Instant Image Targets in Unity 4.1 Setting up Unity with Vuforia SDK 4.2 Creating Instant Image Targets 4.3 Configuring the Image Target and Creating Augmented Content
5. Best Practices for Creating Image Targets 5.1 Image Size and Quality 5.2 Flat and Non-Glossy Images 5.3 Consideration for Rounded Targets
6. Testing and Deploying the Image Target Experience 6.1 Testing in Unity's Play Mode 6.2 Building and Deploying on Actual Devices
7. Conclusion

Introduction Image targets are a popular form of targets used in augmented reality applications. In this tutorial, we will explore two ways to implement image targets using the Vuforia SDK and Unity. The classic method involves creating image targets through the Vuforia Developer Portal, while the newer approach allows us to create instant image targets within Unity itself. By following these techniques, you'll be able to create captivating augmented reality experiences using image targets.

Understanding Image Targets Before diving into the implementation details, it's important to understand what image targets are. Image targets are physical images that are recognized by an augmented reality system, enabling the overlay of virtual content onto these images. This tutorial focuses on how to set up and use image targets effectively in Unity using Vuforia SDK.

Classic Way: Implementing Image Targets through the Vuforia Developer Portal To begin with the classic method, we need to set up Unity with the Vuforia SDK and create image targets through the Vuforia Developer Portal. Here are the steps involved:

Setting up Unity with Vuforia SDK

1. Download the Vuforia SDK from the Vuforia Developer Portal and import it into your Unity project.
2. Add the AR Camera to your scene.

Creating the Image Target Database

1. Access the Vuforia Developer Portal and go to the Target Manager.
2. Add a new database and give it a Meaningful name, such as "Rover Image."
3. Upload the image You want to use as the target and specify its physical Dimensions accurately.

Uploading and Configuring the Image Target

1. Open the uploaded image in the Target Manager and observe its star rating, which indicates its tracking quality.
2. Use the grayscale feature points to understand how Vuforia detects and tracks the image.
3. Download the database containing the image target and import it into your Unity project.
4. Add the image target to your scene and configure it to use the imported database and image.

Creating Augmented Content

1. Add your desired virtual content, such as 3D models or animations, as child objects of the image target in the Unity scene.
2. Optimize the content placement and Scale according to the size and position of the image target.
3. Test the image target experience using Unity's Play Mode.

New Way: Instant Image Targets in Unity Alternatively, you can create instant image targets directly within Unity, without the need to access the Vuforia Developer Portal. Here's how to do it:

Setting up Unity with Vuforia SDK

1. Install the Vuforia SDK in your Unity project and add the AR Camera to the scene.

Creating Instant Image Targets

1. Add the Image Target object to the scene and set its Type to "From Image."
2. Import the image you want to use as the target into your project.
3. Assign the image as the 2D texture for the Image Target object.

Configuring the Image Target and Creating Augmented Content

1. Set the width and Height properties of the Image Target object according to the physical size of the real image.
2. Add augmented content, like 3D models or UI elements, as child objects of the Image Target.
3. Adjust the content placement and scale to Align with the image target.
4. Test the instant image target experience in Unity's Play Mode.

Best Practices for Creating Image Targets To ensure optimal tracking and user experience, consider the following best practices when creating image targets:

Image Size and Quality

• Use images that are at least 5 inches wide or around 12 centimeters wide.
• Maintain good image quality to ensure accurate recognition and tracking.
• Avoid using highly compressed or low-resolution images.

Flat and Non-Glossy Images

• Use flat images without any curves or bends, as they can negatively affect tracking.
• Ensure the images are non-glossy to minimize reflections, which can confuse the camera.

Consideration for Rounded Targets

• If you need to Create image targets for rounded objects like soda cans, explore cylinder targets in Vuforia.

Testing and Deploying the Image Target Experience To ensure your image target experience works seamlessly on actual devices, follow these steps:

Testing in Unity's Play Mode

• Use Unity's Play Mode to test and iterate the image target experience.
• Check for accurate tracking, appropriate content placement, and smooth augmentation.

Building and Deploying on Actual Devices

• Set up the build settings for your desired platform, such as Android or iOS.
• Build and deploy the application to your device for real-world testing.
• Make necessary adjustments if any issues occur during the deployment.

Conclusion In this tutorial, we explored two ways to implement image targets in Unity using the Vuforia SDK. The classic method involved creating image targets through the Vuforia Developer Portal, while the new approach allowed us to create instant image targets directly in Unity. By following the best practices and testing thoroughly, you can create compelling augmented reality experiences with image targets. Experiment with different images and content to enhance the user's interaction and immersion in the virtual world.