encantar-js/docs/faq.md

Questions & Answers

What is MARTINS.js?

MARTINS.js is a GPU-accelerated Augmented Reality engine for the web. It’s a standalone WebAR technology for creating AR experiences that run in web browsers. Users don’t need specialized hardware nor dedicated software - only a modern and compatible web browser.

MARTINS is a recursive acronym for MARTINS Augmented Reality Technology for Internet Software. It also happens to be my name. See, AR is part of my name. Can you believe it? :sunglasses:

What is WebAR?

Refer to the concepts.

Is this WebXR?

No, MARTINS.js is not WebXR. The WebXR API allows you to access functionalities of VR and AR-capable devices in web browsers. It relies on other technologies, such as Google’s ARCore or Apple’s ARKit, to run the show. Those technologies are great, but they are supported on specific devices, which may or may not match your users’ devices. On the other hand, MARTINS.js is fully standalone and is built from scratch using standard web technologies such as WebGL2 and WebAssembly, which are widely available. My intention is to give it broad compatibility.

Why do my models appear “laid down” in AR?

MARTINS.js uses a right-handed coordinate system with the Z-axis pointing “up”. The same convention is used in Blender{ ._blank }. When exporting your own models, make sure that the Z-axis points “up” and that the ground plane is the XY-plane. If your models appear “laid down” in AR, this is probably the issue.

!!! info “Fix with code”

Fixing the orientation of the model is the preferred solution. However, you can also fix the issue with code: add a node (entity) to the scene graph and make it rotate its children by 90 degrees around the x-axis.

What about browser compatibility?

MARTINS.js is currently compatible with the latest versions of almost all major web browsers:

Chrome	Edge	Firefox	Opera	Safari
:heavy_check_mark:	:heavy_check_mark:	:heavy_check_mark:	:heavy_check_mark:	-

At the time of this writing, Safari is not yet compatible. MARTINS.js requires WebGL2 and WebAssembly.

What about the licensing?

MARTINS.js is dual-licensed. It can be used for free under the AGPL 3.0. Any software developed with it must be free software. If you’re doing personal experiments, or if you’re a student, a hobbyist or a developer of free and open-source software, you may use it for free.

If you intend to use MARTINS.js in a commercial, proprietary software, get in touch for a different license.

How can I contact you?

Get in touch!

How can I support you?

:heart:{ .heart } Support my work{ .md-button }

I love WebAR!

I know! :wink: