Surface: world tracking
In Onirix, Surface scenes allow the user to position an element on a horizontal area in front of him, and thus visualize the augmented reality content without the need for a specific marker such as an image.
There are two ways of displaying scenes of this type: content anchored to the surface the so called World tracking, or floating content (rotation tracking) that is fixed using the phone's gyroscope. Anchored content allows us to visualize a scene as if it were fixed to our environment: a table, a wall, the floor. While floating content allows us to place elements around the user. Here we will see the differences and how we can use each of these modes in Onirix.
Surface tracking: anchored content (world tracking)
Surface Tracking allows to detect horizontal and vertical planes in your environment, and place any type of content on them, which remains fixed throughout the augmented reality experience.
Surface Anchoring for Scenes
This section is something that we are updating every now and then at Onirix since it is one of our main challenges as a platform: to generate a compatible solution for all types of mobile devices capable of anchoring the content to any surface.
Onirix has a version available for both Android and iOS as of Onirix Studio version v.2.48.0 (January 2023). To activate this mode you only need to select the mode in the project settings between Rotation (gyro) or World tracking.
Open this link and try yourself, say hi to our little robot!
Surface for Android (web XR in Onirix)
On Android this mode is fully operational thanks to the compatibility of Onirix Studio with the released version of Android for web XR. When you activate the world tracking mode, if you have an Android phone with ARCore functionality, you will be able to enjoy the Web XR mode connected from Onirix.
List of Android devices compatible with ARCore: access the ARCore support devices here.
Surface for iOS (and Android without Web XR)
We are currently developing our own algorithm to position a stable anchor on iOS devices (Safari browser), and thus achieve a unified behaviour on all phones on the market. Beta version available in Onirix Studio release v.2.48.0 (January 2023).
We will continue the process of optimizing and improving the algorithm on an ongoing basis as part of our internal R&D process.
Surface for Assets (an alternative without interaction)
Currently, content anchored in Onirix can be consumed either directly from a 3D model (asset viewer for web AR). If you want to display a fully anchored 3D model, and you don't need to add interaction with other elements through a complete Onirix scene, you can use this anchor mode.
Rotation tracking: gyroscope only
For cases where it is not necessary to anchor the content to the surface continuously, you can opt for a surface simulation through the gyroscope, and with this effect get the elements of the scene floating around the user.
For example, in this experience a gamification dynamic is generated in which the user has to hunt logos around him, to improve his score. These logos appear floating around him, using this mode of placement based on rotation.
In these cases, a property of this type of scenes can be very useful: autoload. With this the content will appear in front of the user without the user having to select the surface. Interesting for game dynamics, tourism, etc.
Try yourself a rotation tracking example
To access the full experience and try the game visit our experience library: www.onirix.com/experience/ar-games-hunt-logos-time-limit/
