Augmented Reality + HTML 5 = Argon

Marker-based AR

•Uses specially-designed markers to deliver content.

• Images or video

• 3D models

Location-based AR

•Combines the geo-location capabilities of a smart phone with the phone’s video camera to overlay location-relevant information

• Targeted to iPhone and Android devices

• Third-party programs have been developed to distribute and display location-based AR content:

• LayAR

• Wikitude

• Argon

•Currently under development by the Augmented Environments Lab (AEL) at Georgia Tech

•2nd iteration (v1.2.0) is available in the iTunes AppStore

•Leverages an extended version of KML called “KARML” to render points of interest

•Visual elements are rendered using HTML 5 by way of WebKit

•Includes a Javascript API for dynamically altering geo-spatial information

•jQuery is bundled into the app

•Distinct AR experiences are represented as separate “Channels”

•Channels are served via .kml files hosted on a web server

KML

•Developed for use with Google Earth

•XML-based language schema for expressing geographic annotation and visualization

•HTML, CSS, and Javascript can be included in the <description> element, wrapped in a CDATA section

KARML

•KARML extends KML by extending/adding a few elements that are geared towards authoring AR experiences:

• Label (extended)

• Balloon (extended)

• Tracker

• Sound

<Placemark>

•The <Placemark> element is the core element for building AR experiences with KARML

•Sounds, balloons, labels, and GeoSpots can all be attached to placemarks

• GeoSpots are defined via <Camera> or <LookAt> nested within a <Placemark>

•GeoSpots are special points of interest that are tied to the user’s location

•Argon provides three ways to activate a GeoSpot:

• The User manually sets their location within the Argon app

• The User wanders into a GeoSpot and the app actively recognizes it

• The GeoSpot is set dynamically via the Javascript API

Why are GeoSpots important?

•GPS/Cellular location sensors are only accurate to within 8-20 meters in daily use (though “Wi-Fi assist” can improve accuracy)

•GeoSpots can be used to “enforce” 100% accuracy by communicating the User’s location directly to Argon

•Special content can be associated with GeoSpots:

• 360-degree panoramic images that effectively “surround” the User

• Sounds

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