Spark AR World Effects
Spark AR world effects are exactly what they sound like, they are augmented reality effects that take place in the environment around you. They are experienced through the back camera of a device while the user looks around the space that you create for them. Two ways that world effects can be made are through either plan trackers or target trackers.
Target Trackers vs. Plane Trackers
A target tracker is an effect that is triggered when the camera recognizes a certain target in the real world. This target can be things such as a business card, poster or shape as long as it is flat. Once the target is recognized the effect will play and the user can move around the effect.
A plane tracker is similar to a target tracker but detects a flat horizontal surface like a desk or floor and then executes the effect. For both of these effects the back camera needs to be used in order for them to work so it is good practice to display instructions on screen that let the users know what they need to do.
Camera Space vs. World Space
Objects are placed into camera space by default, this means that they will move around relative to the camera. Objects can be placed into world space by dragging them to the bottom of the scene panel and ensuring they are not children of the camera. When objects are in world space they can be set in a fixed position in the environment around the camera. Plane trackers and target trackers are both involved in world effects because they do not move relative to the camera but simulate an object in the real world.
Real World Application
Some practical uses for world effects include things like Amazon’s “View in your room” feature that uses AR to place an item in your room to see how it would look. Augmented reality can also be used to give people directions to a place through their camera or present useful information to them like a description of a restaurant through targets in the real world without the risk of vandalism or wear. 81% of Americans now have smartphones in their pockets and the percentage is only projected to go up. With this much reach, XR technologies surely have real world potential for informational and practical use.
