Testing of AI/AR-based Apps

AR (Augmented Reality) and VR (Virtual Reality) are immersive technologies that alter our perception of the real world. AR involves overlaying digital information or virtual objects onto the real-world environment.

VR immerses users in a wholly digital environment, isolating them from the real world. AR technology has advanced rapidly and has become widely accessible for millions of mobile users. It has transformed from a futuristic concept into a practical and commercially viable technology.

Importance of Quality Assurance in Augmented Reality (AR) Testing

Businesses planning to launch AR application projects know the two pivotal activities that will help to meet customer expectations with the final product. The first is to provide a seamless user experience, and the second is to ensure its quality.

Ensuring Quality in AR/VR Apps

The QA team plays a crucial role in examining product requirements and understanding the conditions under which the AR product will be used.

This examination helps ensure that the product meets users’ specific needs and expectations. When dealing with an AR application project, selecting suitable devices and defining the types of interaction are essential aspects of quality assurance.

To effectively test AI/AR-based apps, it’s pivotal to consider a mix of traditional testing approaches along with specialized testing techniques for AI/AR capabilities. This can include functional testing, performance testing, usability testing, and validation of AI models and algorithms.

Type of Applications Builds on AI/AR

Applications integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Augmented Reality (AR) technologies can potentially deliver innovative and immersive experiences across various domains.

Here are some types of apps that leverage the combined power of AI and AR, along with real-time examples:

Social AR Apps

Snapchat

Gaming apps combine AI and AR to offer interactive and location-based experiences. AI algorithms may be used for character behavior, adaptive gameplay, and real-time interaction with the game world.

AR Fitness Apps

AR Runner

Combining AI with AR, fitness apps provide interactive workouts and training sessions. AI may analyze user movements and offer real-time feedback.

Language Translation Apps

Google Translate AR

AI-powered language translation apps use AR to overlay translated text onto real-world objects, facilitating instant language understanding in different environments.

Gesture-Controlled AR Apps

Leap Motion

These apps use AI to interpret hand gestures and movements, allowing users to interact with AR content without physical controllers.

AR Gaming Apps

Pokémon GO

Gaming apps combine AI and AR to offer interactive and location-based experiences. AI algorithms may be used for character behavior, adaptive gameplay, and real-time interaction with the game world.

How to Test AI/AR-based Apps? – The Specifics Of AI/AR-based Apps Testing

The testing landscape for AI/AR is dynamic. Augmented reality software testing is prolonged and less compatible than traditional testing approaches. The fusion of digital content with the real world presents unique challenges.

Correct environments and testing of applications with different types of physical objects in different scenarios with varying lighting effects are required. Here are the specifics of AR testing that we should consider:

1. Spatial Awareness Testing

• Real-world Interaction: Spatial awareness testing in AR applications involves evaluating how well the application understands and interacts with the physical environment. We assess how well the AR app recognizes and interacts with physical objects and spaces. We verify that virtual objects align correctly with physical structures, surfaces, or markers in the real world.

2. Gesture Recognition

• Various Gestures: Test gestures such as swiping, tapping, pinching, and rotating.
• Accuracy: Verify the accuracy of gesture recognition, especially in dynamic environments.

3. Object Recognition

• Real-world Objects: Assess object recognition accuracy if the app identifies and interacts with real-world objects.

4. Environmental Considerations

• Lighting Conditions: Test the app’s performance in various lighting conditions, including low light, bright sunlight, and varied indoor lighting.
• Shadows and Reflections: Evaluate how well the AR elements (the digital or virtual components overlaid in the real-world environment to create an augmented experience) adapt to shadows and reflections in the environment.
• Wind and Weather Conditions: Consider testing AR applications in windy and various weather scenarios. The experience should remain stable.
• Geographical Variations: Consider testing AR applications in different geographical locations and climates to assess how environmental factors may impact performance.

5. Motion Tracking

• User Movement: Assess how well the app tracks user movements, especially when users move around while interacting with AR elements.

6. User Perspective

• Field of View (FoV): The field of view refers to the extent of the physical or virtual environment visible to the user through an AR device. Consider the device’s field of view limitations and test how well the AR experience adapts within this constraint.

7. Performance Testing

• Real-time Rendering: Evaluate the app’s ability to render AR content in real-time without lag or latency.

8. Compatibility Testing

• Device Compatibility: Test the AR app on smartphones, tablets, smart glasses, and AR-specific headsets to ensure a consistent and optimized experience.
• Peripheral Device Compatibility: Check compatibility with peripheral devices, such as external cameras, sensors, or controllers that may enhance the AR experience.
• Platform Compatibility: Ensure the app works seamlessly across different operating systems and AR platforms.

9. AR-Specific Hardware Testing

• Utilize Device Features: Leverage specific features of AR devices, such as depth sensors or cameras, and test how well the app utilizes these capabilities. Evaluate the accuracy of accelerometers, gyroscopes, magnetometers, and cameras in tracking the user’s movements and the environment. Ensure that the cameras capture high-quality images with accurate color representation and minimal distortion, enhancing the visual fidelity of the AR experience.

10. Security and Privacy

• Data Security: Ensure that sensitive data, such as user information and location data, is encrypted during transmission and storage. Prevent unauthorized access to AR applications and features, protecting user privacy and ensuring data integrity.

Conclusion

By conducting thorough quality assurance processes, businesses can ensure that their AR applications meet high standards of performance, reliability, and user satisfaction. This helps deliver a polished product that provides an engaging and immersive AR experience.

Staying abreast of technological advancements and best practices in AI/AR development and testing is essential for creating successful and reliable applications.

Sadia Zahid