Augmented Reality - Layar

In my previous post, I described a few different ways Augmented Reality (AR) is used when creating advertisements or mobile applications. Layering your own content over existing content is one of those methods.

Two major ways you can do layered content are by using geo location, or looking for a specific pattern, such as a specific image or design. This could be a billboard, advertisement, or general art. With some extra work, you can do a combination of both for something like a unique cityscape at a specific location. The question now is, how do you do it?

One of the commercial options is Layar. Layar is a full platform that allows you to add an image to their server in order to create a pattern that can be scanned with their viewer. When a client then scans the image with the Layar Vision, their viewer, they will see whatever you’d like them to. If you would like a bit more information, see a previous post by Paul Bourdeaux, ‘Layar Moves Closer To Practical Mobile Augmented Reality’.

The downside of using the Layar Vision is that it will require each of your clients to install the Layar viewer in order to see your augmentation. To ensure they can get to it correctly, you’ll have to also provide instructions outside of the app. Giving instructions can be kind of clunky sometimes so the good people over at Layar have come out with a new API, Layar Connect.

Layar Connect is an API that allows you, as the developer, to both register and connect to the Layar system inside your own app.  Now you can seamlessly use their technology without requiring the client to leave your app. You can also add the location element to your app to not look for a Layar object until the user is at a specific location.

With the changes to the API and the growing popularity of using AR marketing, Layar could be a great choice when you want to get something done quickly without needing to reinvent the wheel when it comes to AR creation.