Tag: Augmented Reality

Augmented Reality eDrawings

Augmented Reality with eDrawings

Imagine being able to take a CAD model from SolidWorks and view it on a mobile device in real time with real objects. What seemed to be impossible is quite real and easy to do!

What is Augmented Reality

Augmented reality, or AR, is technology that uses a computer-generated image in combination with the users view in the real world creating an item that can be seen next to real items. A couple of well-known apps that have brought this technology to the mainstream have been Pokémon Go and Snapchat. Both apps have been able to take their created content and allow the user to view them in day to day life with the users given surroundings.

Software

The software we have been using at Perception Engineering to view our created CAD models is eDrawings. This app is available for download in both the iOS app store and the Google Play store, however, the AR will only work for iOS currently. There are two different version: eDrawings for $1.99 and eDrawings Pro for $9.99. From what I’ve seen reading and learning about these softwares, there isn’t much of a difference, on the AR side at least, between the two. One thing that the Pro version can do is allow the user to view cross sections of the imported models inside and outside of the AR mode.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Figure 1: eDrawings Apps

Setting up Files and Using the Software

We will be mainly be going through the step-by-step process of taking a SolidWorks part/assembly file and opening it in AR with the eDrawings app. The steps for importing an EASM or STEP will be very similar with the only difference being the file types.

The first step is to get the file to view in AR on your tablet or mobile device. This is accomplished by emailing the files to the device.

Figure 2: Emailing Part File

These files can either be downloaded and saved to the phone or they can be opened directly into the eDrawings app. For this example, we won’t download and save the file.

Figure 3: Opening Window

When selected to “Copy to eDrawings”, it will open the file directly into the eDrawings app!

Figure 4: Part in eDrawings App

Once the file is on the tablet or mobile device, the next step is to acquire the QR code and print it. This is done using the app by opening the part in the app, selecting AR from the menu, and choosing the “Get Marker” option. This will open the QR code and prompt the user to input an email address. This QR code is not unique from part to part, the software determines which file to show in AR based on which part is open in the app.

Figure 5: QR Code

Now it’s as simple as pointing the QR code on the screen to the printed off code. The model can be spun around using one finger and panned on the screen using two fingers. The model will also come in with a 1:1 scale based on the size of the QR code.

Figure 6: Viewing Model in AR

Tips and Tricks

There are a couple of little tips and tricks with using this software that can aid in having an overall better experience. The first one is manipulating some of the components inserted if they’re in an assembly. This software allows the ability to either hide or make the component transparent if a better, clearer view is desired. This is done by selecting the pop-out manager highlighted in Figure 7. At the bottom right corner of the screen are to make selected components either hidden/shown or solid/transparent. Simply select which option to apply and then select the component for an instant update. Components can either be selected in the feature tree flyout or on the assembly.

Figure 7: Hide/Show and Transparent/Solid Options

The next tip is cleaning up the user interface for a better view of the augmented model. The app can appear cluttered at first but simplifying and hiding all the options is a click away. Highlighted in Figure 8, simply select this expand/compress option and all the information will be hidden except the model and the option to bring back the information.

Figure 8: Simplified Interface

Issues

With this technology still being new, there are still some bugs and issues that will become more and more noticeable while using the software. One issue that will become obvious is the file size can’t be too large. If it ends up being too large, there will be a lot of stutter points when trying to rotate or pan the model. There is also the possibility of the app crashing because it can’t handle all the data/information being imported. This can be adjusted some by either defeaturing the components or removing some of the unnecessary components. Unnecessary components to the overall structure being things like nuts and bolts.

One other issue is the model when it’s inserted being too large. Some tests were done changing the size of the QR code, but some items still came in too massive to where it was impossible to see any portion. The only solution to this has been trying to adjust the scale immediately after locating the QR code. That is done by selecting the option under the AR button (highlighted in Figure 9) and manually typing in the scaled percent to try and fit in the view.

Figure 9: Scaling Option

Conclusion

In summation, this a fun and useful app to have! We here at Perception Engineering have been taking some of the different models we’ve worked on in the past and viewing them with this eDrawings app. Though it may seem limited in what we can do with this app, it’s only the beginning of the changes coming with new technology.

Written By:

Amazon Part Finder

Amazon Part Finder

Do you have a random screw, washer, or nut laying around and have no idea how to identify what it is? You’re in luck with Amazon’s new Part Finder option within the Amazon app! Amazon now has the technology to scan whichever type of desired fastener, provide accurate sizing of it, and provide links on their app so you can purchase these! This blog will highlight how to locate this function within the app and how to use it.

Locating Part Finder

Locating the app is actually easier than what some people may believe because it is actually located in the regular Amazon app. First, download the Amazon app from the iOS App Store or the Google Play store for Android. Once the app is downloaded, select the camera next to the search bar to access the Part Finder function and many other useful options. Access to the camera will also need to be allowed to use these options.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Figure 1: Camera Location

Once you’ve selected the camera option and have allowed access, Amazon’s default function that appears in the Product Search option. To locate Part Finder, select the see more option at the bottom of the screen and select the icon of a screw with the Part Finder text below it.

Figure 2: Locating Part Finder Option

How to use it

Now that the Part Finder option has been located, the next step is to try it out! Along with the app, there are a couple of things that will be needed. You will need a fastener, washer, or nut to be measured, a white surface (a piece of white paper will work), and a penny. The white surface helps the camera get a clear picture or the threads and the penny is for reference to get an accurate size of the object. Once those are located, take a single object, we’re using a bolt for example, and place it next to the penny on the white surface.

Figure 3: Example Bolt with Penny

The next step, with both the penny and object being measured in the frame, hold the phone level and steady. If you’re unsure if the phone is level, try and match the white circle into the center of the intersecting lines (the lines will turn green and the countdown will begin once the phone is level).

 Figure 4: Measuring the Object

The app will now start to analyze the photo and once that’s complete, it will prompt the user for some extra inputs. The user will need to select a few options: which type of screw it is, the head style, and the drive type.

 Figure 5: Scanned Photo and Extra Inputs

After the parameters have been set, select the See Search Results on the page in the bottom-right corner and Amazon will open what they believe to be the correct screw within the app. Depending on how the photo was analyzed, Amazon will provide the length and the diameter of the object (different items appear at the top from when measuring a nut, washer, or bolt). The app will also provide links to the measured objects that can be purchased directly from Amazon.

 Figure 6: End Result

Conclusion

Even though this technology is still fairly new, it’s improving and only becoming more useful and smarter with each released update. The only complaint with this current version is that it can’t identify threads which would be very useful. Maybe in future updates, we can have this option along with other quality of life updates!

Written By: