Mastering Augmented Reality Development With Unity

A comprehensive guide to building augmented reality applications with Unity 3D KEY FEATURES ● Apply the fundamental principles of 3D design to create engaging and interactive augmented reality experiences. ● Learn how to use Unity to work with a variety of AR frameworks and tools. ● Gain the competitive edge by learning how to use APIs to build cutting-edge AR applications. DESCRIPTION “Mastering Augmented Reality Development with Unity” is a comprehensive guide that will take you from beginner to expert in AR development. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced developer, this book is the perfect resource for learning to create amazing AR experiences. The book begins with an introduction to AR, covering its core principles and potential applications. You will learn how to visualize AR environments and create visually stunning experiences. Next, the book explores the various tools and development platforms available for AR, with a focus on Unity 3D as the industry-standard platform. You will be guided through creating custom AR components and refreshing your C# programming skills within Unity. The book covers practical applications of AR development, including building 3D mobile apps, marker-based AR apps using Vuforia, and marker-less AR apps with AR Kit and AR Core. You will also learn about world-scale AR development with Niantic Lightship. The latter part of the book focuses on best practices in AR application design, ensuring intuitive and user-friendly experiences. Additionally, readers will learn techniques for optimizing AR app performance. By the end of the book, you will be able to build AR applications with Unity 3D with ease. WHAT YOU WILL LEARN ● Use Unity 3D to develop, build and run mobile 3D applications. ● Use different AR frameworks to integrate augmented reality into 3D scenes. ● Combine networking and cutting-edge technologies to develop dynamic and interactive AR applications. ● Learn how to use the best practices of AR design to create captivating experiences. ● Optimize application performance for a truly seamless and immersive user experience. WHO THIS BOOK IS FOR This book is for anyone who has a basic understanding of programming and is interested in learning to build AR applications using Unity 3D. TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. Getting Started with Augmented Reality 2. Visualizing AR Environment and Components 3. Exploring Tools and Development Platforms 4. Up and Running with Unity 3D 5. Creating Your First Custom Component 6. Refreshing C# Concepts with Unity 7. Trying Out First 3D Mobile App Development 8. Building Marker-based AR Apps with Vuforia 9. Developing Marker-based Dynamic AR Apps 10. Marker-less AR Apps with AR Kit and AR Core 11. World Scale AR App with Niantic Lightship 12. Best Practices in Augmented Reality Application Design 13. AR App Performance Optimization

Explore the world of augmented reality development with the latest features of Unity and step-by-step tutorial-style examples with easy-to-understand explanations Key FeaturesBuild functional and interactive augmented reality applications using the Unity 3D game engineLearn to use Unity's XR and AR components, including AR Foundation and other standard Unity featuresImplement common AR application user experiences needed to build engaging applicationsBook Description Augmented reality applications allow people to interact meaningfully with the real world through digitally enhanced content. The book starts by helping you set up for AR development, installing the Unity 3D game engine, required packages, and other tools to develop for Android (ARCore) and/or iOS (ARKit) mobile devices. Then we jump right into the building and running AR scenes, learning about AR Foundation components, other Unity features, C# coding, troubleshooting, and testing. We create a framework for building AR applications that manages user interaction modes, user interface panels, and AR onboarding graphics that you will save as a template for reuse in other projects in this book. Using this framework, you will build multiple projects, starting with a virtual photo gallery that lets you place your favorite framed photos on your real-world walls, and interactively edit these virtual objects. Other projects include an educational image tracking app for exploring the solar system, and a fun selfie app to put masks and accessories on your face. The book provides practical advice and best practices that will have you up and running quickly. By the end of this AR book, you will be able to build your own AR applications, engaging your users in new and innovative ways. What you will learnDiscover Unity engine features for building AR applications and gamesGet up to speed with Unity AR Foundation components and the Unity APIBuild a variety of AR projects using best practices and important AR user experiencesUnderstand the core concepts of augmented reality technology and development for real-world projectsSet up your system for AR development and learn to improve your development workflowCreate an AR user framework with interaction modes and UI, saved as a template for new projectsWho this book is for This augmented reality book is for game developers interested in adding AR capabilities to their games and apps. The book assumes beginner-level knowledge of Unity development and C# programming, familiarity with 3D graphics, and experience in using existing AR applications. Beginner-level experience in developing mobile applications will be helpful to get the most out of this AR Unity book.

Build exciting AR applications on mobile and wearable devices with Unity 3D, Vuforia, ARToolKit, Microsoft Mixed Reality HoloLens, Apple ARKit, and Google ARCore About This Book Create unique AR applications from scratch, from beginning to end, with step-by-step tutorials Use Unity 3D to efficiently create AR apps for Android, iOS, and Windows platforms Use Vuforia, ARTookKit, Windows Mixed Reality, and Apple ARKit to build AR projects for a variety of markets Learn best practices in AR user experience, software design patterns, and 3D graphics Who This Book Is For The ideal target audience for this book is developers who have some experience in mobile development, either Android or iOS. Some broad web development experience would also be beneficial. What You Will Learn Build Augmented Reality applications through a step-by-step, tutorial-style project approach Use the Unity 3D game engine with the Vuforia AR platform, open source ARToolKit, Microsoft's Mixed Reality Toolkit, Apple ARKit, and Google ARCore, via the C# programming language Implement practical demo applications of AR including education, games, business marketing, and industrial training Employ a variety of AR recognition modes, including target images, markers, objects, and spatial mapping Target a variety of AR devices including phones, tablets, and wearable smartglasses, for Android, iOS, and Windows HoloLens Develop expertise with Unity 3D graphics, UIs, physics, and event systems Explore and utilize AR best practices and software design patterns In Detail Augmented Reality brings with it a set of challenges that are unseen and unheard of for traditional web and mobile developers. This book is your gateway to Augmented Reality development—not a theoretical showpiece for your bookshelf, but a handbook you will keep by your desk while coding and architecting your first AR app and for years to come. The book opens with an introduction to Augmented Reality, including markets, technologies, and development tools. You will begin by setting up your development machine for Android, iOS, and Windows development, learning the basics of using Unity and the Vuforia AR platform as well as the open source ARToolKit and Microsoft Mixed Reality Toolkit. You will also receive an introduction to Apple's ARKit and Google's ARCore! You will then focus on building AR applications, exploring a variety of recognition targeting methods. You will go through multiple complete projects illustrating key market sectors including business marketing, education, industrial training, and gaming. By the end of the book, you will have gained the necessary knowledge to make quality content appropriate for a range of AR devices, platforms, and intended uses. Style and approach This book adopts a practical, step-by-step, tutorial-style approach. The design principles and methodology will be explained by creating different modules of the AR app.

This Learning Path makes you an expert developer of AR and VR applications by teaching you everything - from the basic principles of AR application development to developing immersive and fun VR applications using Unity 3D and Unity 2018.

Create VR, AR, and MR experiences with the help of step-by-step tutorials on VR and AR simulators, interactivity, sound and visual effects, along with advanced XR techniques such as multiplayer integration Key Features Create impressive XR projects without the need to own expensive VR headsets Explore Unity XR features and techniques such as hand-tracking and plane detection using the XR Interaction Toolkit and AR Foundation Bring your XR projects to life with step-by-step explanations along with practical examples Purchase of the print or Kindle book includes a free PDF eBook Book DescriptionThe drastic surge in the demand for XR development has led to an imminent need for comprehensive resources, learning material, and overall know-how in this area. This one-stop resource will ensure that professionals venturing into XR development can access all XR-related techniques to build appealing XR applications, without relying on Google every step of the way. This book is your guide to developing XR applications with Unity 2021.3 or later versions, helping you to create VR, AR, and MR experiences of increasing complexity. The chapters cover the entire XR application development process from setting up an interactive XR scene using the XR Interaction Toolkit or AR Foundation, adding physics, animations, continuous movement, teleportation, sound effects, and visual effects, to testing and deploying to VR headsets, simulators, smartphones, and tablets. Additionally, this XR book takes you on a journey from the basics of Unity and C# to advanced techniques such as building multiplayer applications and incorporating hand- and gaze-tracking capabilities. By the end of this book, you'll be fully equipped to create cutting-edge XR projects for engaging individual, academic, and industrial use cases that captivate your audience.What you will learn Get started with Unity by building your own 3D project Explore the XR Interaction Toolkit and AR Foundation, as well as test XR applications on your PC Find out how to deploy XR projects on different platforms Build interactive XR apps with increasing degrees of complexity by leveraging C# scripting Create a fully immersive VR drum scene by using Unity’s audio and particle systems Add advanced XR techniques such as hand-tracking, gaze-tracking, and multiplayer capabilities to your XR apps Who this book is for This book is for students, developers, researchers, and professionals with a background in computer science. Business analysts, PMs, and other management professionals and executives will also benefit from this book. If you have basic knowledge of programming and are looking to gain expertise in creating virtual reality and augmented reality applications in Unity, then this book is for you. While having experience as a VR game player with basic programming knowledge can enhance your understanding of the content, it is not a prerequisite.

Augmented Reality offers the magical effect of blending the physical world with the virtual world. On the other hand, Unity is now the leading platform to develop augmented reality experiences since it provides a great pipeline to work with 3D assets. This book will educate you about the specifics of augmented reality development in Unity 2018.

Embark on a Journey into the Augmented World of "Mastering Augmented Reality" In an era of boundless technological innovation, the augmented realm stands as a portal to merging the digital and physical realities. "Mastering Augmented Reality" is your ultimate guide to immersing yourself in the art and science of creating dynamic augmented experiences that enhance the way we interact with the world around us. Whether you're a budding AR creator or a curious enthusiast, this book equips you with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the intricacies of the captivating augmented world. About the Book: "Mastering Augmented Reality" takes you on an enlightening journey through the intricacies of augmented reality, from foundational concepts to advanced techniques. From AR frameworks to content creation, this book covers it all. Each chapter is meticulously designed to provide both a deep understanding of the concepts and practical applications in real-world scenarios. Key Features: · Foundational Principles: Build a strong foundation by understanding the core principles of augmented reality, including tracking, registration, and interaction. · AR Frameworks: Explore a range of AR frameworks and platforms, from marker-based AR to markerless tracking and spatial computing, understanding their capabilities and applications. · Content Creation: Dive into the world of content creation for augmented reality, including 3D modeling, texturing, animation, and interactive experiences. · User Experience: Master the art of crafting seamless user experiences in AR, including interface design, object interaction, and intuitive gestures. · Augmented Environments: Learn how to design and build augmented environments that seamlessly blend digital content with the physical world, from advertising campaigns to educational simulations. · AR Applications: Gain insights into diverse AR applications, from gaming and entertainment to industrial design, healthcare, and more. · Interaction Paradigms: Understand the principles of interaction design for AR, including gesture recognition, spatial UI, and context-aware interactions. · Challenges and Future Trends: Explore the challenges of AR design, from occlusion to privacy concerns, and discover emerging trends shaping the future of augmented reality. Who This Book Is For: "Mastering Augmented Reality" is designed for creators, designers, developers, students, and anyone intrigued by the immersive world of augmented reality. Whether you're aiming to enhance your skills or embark on a journey toward becoming an AR expert, this book provides the insights and tools to navigate the complexities of augmented reality. © 2023 Cybellium Ltd. All rights reserved. www.cybellium.com

Create your own augmented reality games from scratch with Unity 5 About This Book Create your own augmented reality game from scratch and join the virtual reality gaming revolution Use the latest Unity 5 VR SDK to create pro-level AR games like Pokemon Go Innovate and explore the latest and most promising trend of AR gaming in the mobile gaming industry Who This Book Is For This book is for those who have a basic knowledge of game development techniques, but no previous knowledge of Unity is required. Some basic programming knowledge would be desirable, but the book is an introduction to the topic. The book is also suitable for experienced developers new to GIS or GPS development. What You Will Learn Build a location-based augmented reality game called Foodie Go Animate a player's avatar on a map Use the mobile device's camera as a game background Implement database persistence with SQLLite4Unity3D to carry inventory items across game sessions Create basic UI elements for the game, inventory, menu, and settings Perform location and content searches against the Google Places API Enhance the game's mood by adding visual shader effects Extend the game by adding multiplayer networking and other enhancements In Detail The heyday of location-based augmented reality games is upon us. They have been around for a few years, but the release of Pokemon Go was a gamechanger that catalyzed the market and led to a massive surge in demand. Now is the time for novice and experienced developers alike to turn their good ideas into augmented reality (AR) mobile games and meet this demand! If you are keen to develop virtual reality games with the latest Unity 5 toolkit, then this is the book for you. The genre of location-based AR games introduces a new platform and technical challenges, but this book will help simplify those challenges and show how to maximize your game audience. This book will take you on a journey through building a location-based AR game that addresses the core technical concepts: GIS fundamentals, mobile device GPS, mapping, map textures in Unity, mobile device camera, camera textures in Unity, accessing location-based services, and other useful Unity tips. The technical material also discusses what is necessary for further development to create a multiplayer version of the game. At the end, you will be presented with troubleshooting techniques in case you get into trouble and need a little help. Style and approach This book shows you how to create every step of the game and gives practical examples.