2021 Virtual Undergraduate Research Symposium
2021 Virtual Undergraduate Research Symposium
Stories@Mines App
Stories@Mines App
PROJECT NUMBER: 37 | AUTHOR: Josh Rummelhart​, Computer Science
MENTOR: Sebnem Duzgun, Computer Science
ABSTRACT
The distribution of information in the modern world can be enhanced for user excitement and user enjoyment. Here we explore a way of distributing information to the public such that the user can interact with and explore a topic in an engaging manner. A modern take on information can take many forms. For this project, an Augmented Reality application is used to display information to the user in a visually appealing manner with auditory aids. This particular app will be used at Arthur Lakes Library to help spread information about the history of women at Mines. The implementations of this project can be expanded to use a variety of different genres and combinations of topics. The project can also be changed to provide different visual aids and interactions as well.
PRESENTATION
AUTHOR BIOGRAPHY
Josh Rummelhart is an undergraduate sophomore studying computer science with an area of special interest in robotics and intelligent systems. He has been researching and developing the use of Augmented reality for the purpose of education or the spread of information to others in a unique way. He is looking to continue and expand the use of Augmented Reality to other projects and ideas.
Very cool project, Josh! I love the idea of the app and think that the presentation and execution was really nice.
Thanks very much. It should be at the library by the beginning of the fall semester.
Hi Josh! This is a really interesting project. I think that there is a lot of power in storytelling and having an app that can help bring that narrative to the Mines community is really neat! Great job.
Thanks very much. Eventually, more will be added to the collection by the library.
Great presentation! I just have two questions:
– What was the most challenging part to implementing the app?
– Do you plan on integrating other forms of augmented reality beyond audio into this work? What challenges do you see with regards to integrating different AR modalities?
Great questions! The most challenging part of the app is the optimization. This app needs to be less demanding to be able to work on older phones as well, so trying to make a larger grey mat will exponentially increase the demand for the CPU. A lot of the optimization was just trial and error with different resolutions and algorithm types.
The app is designed with audio and visual components in mind, but using the Unity 3D engine could really do anything that your mind could come up with. The possibilities are endless, and that will allow the Library to add whatever they want. In the future I have herd that they want to add several different modalities all around the library on each floor!