AR Indoor Navigation App
Introduction
During my STAR-PNT internship at the IIT Tirupati Technological Innovation Hub, I embarked on an exciting project to develop an Augmented Reality (AR) navigation app. The aim was to create an innovative solution that guides users to predefined points using AR technology, blending digital directions with the real world. This project, still in its early stages, has been an incredible journey of learning, innovation, and effort.
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Project Overview
The primary objective of the project was to develop an app capable of providing AR-based navigation. The core idea is to use AR to overlay directional arrows and navigation lines on the real world, guiding users through physical spaces. While the concept may seem straightforward, the implementation involved tackling a variety of technical challenges and leveraging advanced technologies.
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Key Components of the Project
1. AR Navigation
The heart of the app lies in its AR navigation capabilities. Using AR, users can see virtual arrows and paths superimposed on their surroundings, directing them to specific locations. This feature aims to enhance the navigation experience by providing intuitive, visual guidance that integrates seamlessly with the real world.
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2. 3D CAD Model Integration
A significant part of the project involved creating a detailed 3D CAD model of the Central Instrumentation Facility Building at IIT Tirupati. This model was then imported into Unity, serving as the foundation for the AR overlay.
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3. Unity NavMesh for Navigation Path Calculation
To ensure accurate and efficient navigation, we utilized Unity's NavMesh system. NavMesh allows the app to calculate the most efficient paths between points, taking into account the physical layout and any obstacles. This technology is crucial for providing users with precise and real-time directions, ensuring they reach their destination smoothly.
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Challenges and Solutions
The project presented several challenges, each of which provided valuable learning experiences:
3D Modeling and Integration: Creating and integrating the 3D model required meticulous attention to detail. I had to ensure the model was accurate and scaled correctly to align with the real-world environment.
AR Stability and Accuracy: One of the main challenges in AR applications is maintaining stable and accurate overlays, especially in diverse lighting conditions and environments. I experimented with various AR frameworks and techniques to improve stability and user experience.
Cross-Device Compatibility: Ensuring the app works seamlessly across different devices was another significant challenge. I had to optimize the app for various hardware specifications, making sure it performed well on both high-end and mid-range devices.
Future Work and Improvements
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Conclusion
My experience working on this project has been immensely rewarding. It has provided a platform to apply theoretical knowledge to practical challenges, explore new technologies, and work collaboratively in a dynamic team environment. The internship has not only expanded my technical skills but also enriched my understanding of the potential of AR in real-world applications.
Bonus
During the Internship , we were handed over a Creality Ender V3 SE 3D Printer which we made use of to the core.
From learning to print hinges to printing fun 3d Models , I had learnt a lot about the world of 3D printing.
The below link will take you to the page for 3D Prints :