Desktop-AR Technology

Desktop-AR is an augmented reality system that turns an ordinary 2D monitor into a volumetric display. It brings virtual objects into the real world using a webcam and anaglyph glasses. It works by tracking a user's head position and rendering images according to the user's viewing angle in stereoscopic images. Unlike AR glasses, you can set up a Desktop-AR at home for free. You can make DIY red & blue glasses or purchase them online for less than a dollar.

How to set up a Desktop AR and try it at home

To set up Desktop AR at home, you will need 4 things, a laptop or a PC, red & blue 3D glasses, a webcam, and Desktop AR apps.

The first step is to prepare your computer and the red & blue 3D glasses. Your computer can be a laptop or a desktop computer as long as it has a dedicated GPU. If you are using a desktop, place a webcam on top of or even below your monitor (we suggest on top as to not block the view).

After you have the computer and webcam set up, download and install a sample Desktop AR app from Perception. You can choose any app from the collection. When you open the app, you will find that the 3D scenes move according to your viewing positions. The movement is how Desktop-AR creates a holographic experience by rendering 3D scenes that match your perspective.