“Augmented reality (AR) is a field of computer research which deals with the combination of real-world and computer-generated data (virtual reality), where computer graphics objects are blended into real footage in real time.” — Wikipedia
In other words, “Augmented reality (AR) is a field of computer science that involves combining the physical world and an interactive, three-dimensional virtual world.”
My simple and tiny observation of AR, “Using a web camera, the Adobe Flash player, and open-source tools, it is possible to generate animated 3D objects in real-time. This Flash Augmented Reality utilizes the Papervision3D project and the FLAR Toolkit.” These are two tools for generating 3D objects that are free. Hope this will help you to identify the play behind Flash AR.
What is FLARToolKit?
FLash Augmented Reality Toolkit. It is a Flash Actionscript port of ARToolKit, a software library for building Augmented Reality applications. The FLARToolKit will bring all of this to your webbrowser when you have a webcam and a latest Flash Player.
This is one of the most exciting and great Flash Stuffs I’ve ever seen as of now. Saqoosha, a Japanese Flash developer has developed this FLARToolkit with plenty of cool features. You will need a the Flash Player 9, a webcam and you’ll need to print out this marker. This is Flash! My Favourite Flash’s best one . 😉
Augmented Reality @Adobe MAX 2009,
This is the sample widget of Adobe MAX 2009 AR Show.
SmartGrid Augmented Reality by GE
General Electric corporation showcased Augmented Reality in a recent marketing campaign for its Smart Grid, renewable energy program. http://ge.ecomagination.com/smartgrid/#/augmented_reality
Best Sources which I’ve found for you to get the complete idea of Augmented Reality in FlashPlatform,
Step by Step procedure to create AR using Flash CS4 Professional by Samuel Ashe (Flash Designer/Develoepr)
FLARToolkit Details | Start-up guide from Saqoosha (original developer)
Download the sample and Source of FLARToolkit
Some interesting Getting started article (Superb tutorial to implement AR in real-time)
Augmented Reality @ MAX 2009 – Perfect demonstration of AR
Real time play by FLARToolkit
Videos : Interactive 3D Boating | Topps 3D (good meat for eyes 😉 )
Do share your thoughts on this real-time Technology.