AR in Store Navigation

Tutorial 4 of 5

AR in Store Navigation Tutorial

1. Introduction

In this tutorial, we aim to guide you on how to implement AR (Augmented Reality) in store navigation. AR is a technology that overlays digital information on the real world, creating a composite view. The user will learn how to create a simple AR application that can be used for navigating a store.

Prerequisites:
- Basic understanding of JavaScript
- Knowledge of HTML5 and CSS
- Familiarity with AR.js and A-Frame (AR and VR libraries for the web)

2. Step-by-Step Guide

We'll be using AR.js and A-Frame to create our AR navigation system. AR.js is a lightweight library for AR on the web, while A-Frame is a web framework for building 3D/AR/VR experiences.

Step 1: Create a basic HTML5 page structure.

Step 2: Import AR.js and A-Frame libraries in the HTML file.

Step 3: Setup AR scene with a camera and a marker.

Step 4: Add 3D objects to the scene. These objects will act as navigation points.

Step 5: Add event listeners to these objects to handle user interaction.

Step 6: Test and debug your application.

3. Code Examples

Example 1: Setting up AR scene

<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
<head>
    <script src="https://aframe.io/releases/1.2.0/aframe.min.js"></script>
    <script src="https://raw.githack.com/AR-js-org/AR.js/master/aframe/build/aframe-ar.js"></script>
</head>
<body style='margin : 0px; overflow: hidden;'>
    <a-scene embedded arjs>
        <a-marker preset="hiro">
            <a-box position='0 0.5 0' material='color: yellow;'></a-box>
        </a-marker>
        <a-entity camera></a-entity>
    </a-scene>
</body>
</html>

Here, we first include the A-Frame and AR.js libraries. Then, we set up an AR scene using the <a-scene> element. Inside this scene, we add a marker and a 3D object (a box).

Example 2: Adding event listeners

<a-box position='0 0.5 0' material='color: yellow;' 
    event-set__click="_event: mousedown; scale: 1.2 1 1"
    event-set__release="_event: mouseup; scale: 1 1 1">
</a-box>

Here, we're adding event listeners to the box. When the user clicks on the box, it scales up. When the user releases the click, it scales back down.

4. Summary

In this tutorial, we have covered the basics of creating an AR-based store navigation system. We've learned how to set up an AR scene, add 3D objects, and handle user interaction using event listeners.

To further enhance your understanding, you can try adding more complex 3D objects, multiple markers, or even animation to your AR scene.

5. Practice Exercises

Exercise 1: Create an AR scene with two different markers and attach different 3D models to each marker.

Exercise 2: Add an event listener to one of the 3D models, such that when the user clicks on it, the model changes its color.

Exercise 3: Create an AR scene where a user can navigate from one marker to another using arrow objects.

Remember, the best way to learn is by doing. Have fun with these exercises and try to explore more functionalities of AR.js and A-Frame. Good luck!