How to Use 8th Wall for Image Recognition in AR

Augmented Reality (AR) is changing how we interact with the digital world, and 8th Wall is at the forefront of this transformation. This web-based platform allows developers to create immersive AR experiences without app downloads. One of its standout features is image recognition, which enhances how users engage with AR by recognizing and interacting with images in real-time. In this article, we will explore how to use 8th Wall for image recognition in AR and touch on key concepts such as 3D models, web apps, world tracking, and more.

Introduction to 8th Wall

8th Wall is a powerful web-based AR platform that enables developers to create, publish, and manage AR experiences that run directly in a mobile browser. This eliminates the need for users to download an app, making AR experiences more accessible and user-friendly. 8th Wall supports flat and curved image targets, allowing for various applications from marketing campaigns to interactive art.

Getting Started with 8th Wall

To start with 8th Wall, you must first sign up for an account. 8th Wall offers a 14-day free trial, a great way to explore the platform's capabilities before committing to a subscription.

1. Sign Up and Start a New Project: Visit the 8th Wall website and sign up for a free trial. Once registered, log in to your dashboard and start a new project. You can choose from a variety of templates or start from scratch.
2. Set Up Your Project: After creating a new project, you can set up your AR experience by configuring the project name, description, and target images. 8th Wall supports both flat image targets and cylindrical or conical-shaped targets, providing flexibility in triggering your AR experiences.

Creating Image Targets

Image recognition in 8th Wall involves creating image targets that the camera app will recognize and interact with. These can be flat images or more complex shapes like curved surfaces.

1. Upload Image Targets: In your 8th Wall project dashboard, navigate to the "Image Targets" section. Here, you can upload the images you want to use as targets. The platform supports various image types, and choosing high-contrast images is important for better recognition accuracy.
2. Configure Image Targets: Once uploaded, you can configure each image target by adjusting size, position, and tracking behavior. 8th Wall allows you to combine image targets, enabling more complex interactions within your AR experience.

Integrating 3D Models

3D models are essential for creating rich, interactive AR experiences. With 8th Wall, you can easily integrate 3D models into your web AR projects.

1. Prepare Your 3D Models: Ensure your 3D models are optimized for web performance. Common formats include glTF and FBX, which are widely supported by 8th Wall.
2. Upload and Place 3D Models: In your project dashboard, go to the "Assets" section and upload your 3D models. Once uploaded, you can place them in the scene and adjust their positioning relative to the image targets.
3. Animate and Interact: Use 8th Wall’s scripting capabilities to add animations and interactions to your 3D models. This can include simple animations triggered by image recognition or more complex behaviors driven by user interactions.

Implementing World Tracking

World tracking is a feature that enhances AR experiences by understanding the environment and allowing virtual objects to interact with the real world. 8th Wall's world tracking is powered by SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping), enabling dynamic and interactive AR content.

1. Enable World Tracking: In your project settings, enable world tracking to allow your AR content to interact with the physical environment. This is particularly useful for creating experiences that require objects to stay in place as the user moves around.
2. Use World Anchors: Place world anchors in your scene to define points in the real world where virtual objects should be anchored. This helps in creating a stable and immersive AR experience.

Using QR Codes for AR Experiences

QR codes are a convenient way to share and access AR experiences. 8th Wall allows you to generate QR codes that users can scan to access your AR project instantly.



1. Generate QR Codes: In your project dashboard, generate a QR code for your AR experience. This code can be shared on print materials, websites, or social media.
2. Scan and Experience: Users can scan the QR code with their smartphone camera to launch the AR experience directly in their mobile browser. This seamless access enhances user engagement and makes it easy to distribute your AR content.

Combining Image Targets and World Tracking

For more complex AR experiences, you can combine image targets with world tracking. This allows you to create interactive experiences triggered by images and anchored in the real world.

1. Set Up Combined Targets: Configure your project's image targets and world tracking settings. This combination allows your AR content to be initially triggered by an image and then continue interacting with the environment using world tracking.
2. Develop Interactive Content: Use 8th Wall’s scripting tools to create interactive behaviors that respond to image recognition and world-tracking data. This could include animations that start when an image is recognized and continue as the user moves around.

Real-Time Interactions and Feedback

Real-time interactions are crucial for creating engaging AR experiences. 8th Wall provides tools for capturing user inputs and immediate feedback within the AR scene.

1. Capture User Inputs: Use the platform’s input handling capabilities to capture gestures, taps, and other interactions. This allows you to create responsive and interactive content that reacts to user actions in real-time.
2. Provide Feedback: Implement visual and auditory feedback to enhance the user experience. This can include animations, sounds, and changes in the AR content based on user interactions.

Conclusion

Using 8th Wall for image recognition in AR opens up possibilities for creating immersive and interactive experiences. You can develop sophisticated AR projects that engage and delight users by leveraging its powerful features, such as 3D model integration, world tracking, and QR code access. Whether you're a seasoned developer or new to AR, 8th Wall's intuitive platform and comprehensive tools make bringing your creative visions to life easier than ever.

With 8th Wall, the only limit is your imagination. Start exploring the potential of AR today and see how you can transform your ideas into reality with cutting-edge image recognition technology.