TrueScale

Augmented reality, for the Future classroom.

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Inspiration

I was inspired to build this augmented reality application because I am fascinated by the vastness of the universe and wanted to find a way to help others understand and appreciate its scale. I thought that using augmented reality technology to visualize the sizes of celestial objects in relation to one another would be an engaging and effective way to do this. I hope that through using my app, people will be able to gain a greater sense of perspective and wonder about the universe we live in.

What it does

This augmented reality app uses the camera on a user's device to display virtual 3D models of celestial objects, such as planets, moons, and stars, in the user's physical environment. As the user moves their device around, the virtual objects remain in place, allowing the user to see how they would fit into their surroundings. The app also includes information about the size and characteristics of each object, allowing users to learn more about them as they explore. Overall, the app is designed to give users a sense of the true scale of the universe and to inspire curiosity and wonder about the cosmos.

How I built it

To build this augmented reality app, I used React, a popular JavaScript library for building user interfaces, to create the frontend of the app. I utilized Three.js, a 3D graphics library, to render the virtual objects and implement the augmented reality feature. This allowed me to incorporate high-quality 3D models into the app in a way that was performant and seamless for the user. Finally, I used ZappAR, a platform that provides tools for developing augmented reality experiences, to integrate the AR functionality into the app. This enabled me to easily add the ability to display the virtual objects in the real world and track their positions as the user moves their device.

Challenges I ran into

Building this augmented reality app presented a number of challenges. One of the main challenges was finding a way to accurately display the virtual objects in the user's environment in a way that was consistent and believable. This required me to use ZappAR to carefully calibrate the position and orientation of the objects and ensure that they remained stable as the user moved their device. Another challenge was optimizing the performance of the app, particularly on devices with less powerful processors or graphics cards. To address this, I had to carefully balance the complexity of the 3D models and the number of objects displayed at any given time.

Accomplishments that I'm proud of

One accomplishment I am proud of in regards to building this augmented reality app is successfully integrating the AR feature using ZappAR. This required me to learn new tools and technologies and implement them effectively in the app, which was a challenging but rewarding process. Another accomplishment I am proud of is creating high-quality 3D models of the celestial objects and implementing them in a way that was performant and seamless for the user. I put a lot of time and effort into optimizing the performance of the app and making it enjoyable to use, and I am proud of the final product. Additionally, I am proud of finding creative solutions to the challenges I faced while building the app, such as accurately displaying the virtual objects in the user's environment. Overall, I am proud of the hard work and dedication I put into building this app, and I am thrilled with the resulting product.

What I learned

While building this augmented reality app, I learned how to utilize React and Three.js to build the frontend of the app and create high-quality 3D models. I also gained experience with using ZappAR to implement augmented reality functionality, which required me to learn new tools and technologies. In addition to these technical skills, I also learned how to optimize the performance of the app and troubleshoot any issues that arose. Building this app allowed me to expand my knowledge and skills, and I feel confident that I can apply what I learned to future projects. I also learned more about the celestial objects and the vastness of the universe, which has further fueled my curiosity and wonder about the cosmos.

What's next for TrueScale

There are many directions I could take TrueScale, my augmented reality app that illustrates the true scale of the universe, in the future. One possibility is to expand the range of celestial objects that are included in the app. Currently, the app only includes a few planets, but there are many more objects in the universe that could be included, such as galaxies, nebulae, and comets. I could also add more interactive elements to the app, such as quizzes or puzzles, to make it more engaging and educational for users. Another possibility is to optimize the app for different devices and platforms, such as virtual reality headsets or smart glasses. Additionally, I could explore partnerships or collaborations with organizations, such as science museums or planetariums, to promote the app and reach a wider audience. There are many exciting possibilities for the future of TrueScale, and I am excited to see where it takes me.

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