Introduction

In this tutorial, we are going to demystify the world of AR SDKs (Augmented Reality Software Development Kits). We aim to equip you with the fundamental knowledge required to get started with AR SDKs, and how to apply them to your AR development project.

Throughout this tutorial, you will learn:

• What an AR SDK is and how it works
• How to select and install an AR SDK
• How to use an AR SDK to create a simple AR application

Prerequisites

This tutorial assumes that you have some basic knowledge of programming. Prior experience in any particular language is not necessary, but familiarity with Java or C# will be an added advantage as some popular AR SDKs use these languages.

Step-by-Step Guide

An AR SDK is a software library that simplifies the development of AR applications. It provides us with tools to overlay digital content onto the real world.

Some popular AR SDKs include ARCore (Google), ARKit (Apple), and Vuforia (PTC). For this tutorial, we'll use ARCore, but the concepts apply to other SDKs as well.

Step 1: Install ARCore

First, you need to download and install the ARCore SDK. You can find it here. Follow the instructions for your development platform.

Step 2: Set Up Your Development Environment

Next, we need to set up our development environment. We'll use Android Studio, but you can use any IDE that supports Java development. Download and install Android Studio from here.

Step 3: Create A Simple AR Application

Now we're ready to create our first AR application. Here is a simple example:

// Import ARCore session
import com.google.ar.session.Session;

// Initialize ARCore session
Session session = new Session(this);

// Configure ARCore session to use the FRONT camera
session.setCameraConfig(session.getCameraConfig());

// Set ARCore session
arFragment.getArSceneView().setupSession(session);

In this code snippet, we first import the ARCore session. Then we initialize a new session and configure it to use the front camera. Finally, we set the ARCore session.

Code Examples

Below is a more complex example of using ARCore to place a digital object in the real world:

// Import ARCore classes
import com.google.ar.sceneform.ux.ArFragment;
import com.google.ar.sceneform.ux.TransformableNode;

// Initialize ARCore fragment
ArFragment arFragment = (ArFragment) getSupportFragmentManager().findFragmentById(R.id.arFragment);

// Add a listener that is triggered when a plane is tapped
arFragment.setOnTapArPlaneListener(
    (HitResult hitResult, Plane plane, MotionEvent motionEvent) -> {
        // Create a new Anchor at the tap location
        Anchor anchor = hitResult.createAnchor();

        // Create a new TransformableNode that will move and scale the digital object
        TransformableNode node = new TransformableNode(arFragment.getTransformationSystem());
        node.setAnchor(anchor);
        node.setParent(arFragment.getArSceneView().getScene());

        // Load the digital object and add it to the scene
        ModelRenderable.builder()
            .setSource(this, Uri.parse("model.sfb"))
            .build()
            .thenAccept(model -> node.setRenderable(model));
    });

In this example, we first initialize an ARCore fragment. We then add a listener that is triggered when a plane (a flat surface in the real world) is tapped. When the plane is tapped, we create a new Anchor at the tap location. An Anchor is a point in the real world that ARCore tracks over time. We then create a new TransformableNode, which will move and scale the digital object. Finally, we load the digital object and add it to the scene.

Summary

In this tutorial, we have learned what an AR SDK is, how to install and set up ARCore, and how to create a simple AR application. We have also examined some code examples that demonstrate how to use ARCore to place a digital object in the real world.

As next steps, you can explore more advanced features of ARCore, like environmental understanding, motion tracking, and light estimation. You can also try using other AR SDKs like ARKit and Vuforia.

Practice Exercises

1. Exercise 1: Install ARCore and set up your development environment.

2. Exercise 2: Create a simple AR application that displays a digital object at a fixed location.

3. Exercise 3: Modify the application to move the digital object when you tap a different location.

Remember, practice is key in mastering any new skill. Happy coding!