Self-Guided Tour
Video: Augmented Reality
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AR Hands
What is it?
This exhibit allows you to use Augmented Reality, AR, to move your hand in the virtual reality in front of you. It does this with the sensor on the small shelf that reads your hand movements. The computer program is able to create a rendering of the hand and its movements on the screen in the virtual reality as you move! You can then pick up and move the letters and spheres as though grasping them in real life. You can also reset the scene by pulling the lever.
What does it use?
The program that creates the scene is Unity, a program typically used for video games. Using this video game technology, we can let you interact with another world.
Who made it?
The program and exhibit were created by a college intern. They made the exhibit in collaboration with SAMSAT.
AR Sandbox
What’s so special about a sandbox?
Well, you’re never too old to play with a sandbox and this sandbox uses Augment Reality, an Xbox sensor, and a projector to create the live rendering of a topographical map. A topographical map shows the level of the earth above sea level through the circumference of the circles and colors.
This means that when you move the sand the Xbox sensor mounter above reads the new height of the sand. It tells the projector to project the new height and the color that corresponds to that height. The projector then projects the new rendering of the topographical map you created. The sandbox even shows below sea level, showing blue for water. If you wiggle your fingers in the air above the sand blue specks will appear underneath your hand, “creating” rain from the tips of your fingers.
What am I learning and what are topographical maps used for?
This type of interaction allows you to understand geographical features and water ways by creating renderings of them yourself! Topographical maps are utilized in various sectors, geology being the obvious one. They are also used in civil engineering, landscape archaeology, and water quality research.
Who made it?
The exhibit was made by intern, Emily Regner, for her Gold Star Girl Scout project. Emily is from San Antonio and worked with SAMSAT CEO David Monroe. She used the AR program from UC Davis and assembled the computer, sensor and Projector to create the exhibit.
Marine Tank Engine - AR
What is it?
On display is an advanced military diesel engine developed for use in modern combat and amphibious vehicles. Built with an emphasis on power, efficiency, and reliability, it represents a new generation of engine technology designed to meet the extreme demands of defense applications. Its compact design and high power output make it a standout example of innovation in military engineering.
In 2022, interns Moeen Razzaque and Isa Kazem developed an AI-driven software system that can recognize this engine and display detailed information about its components. Their project demonstrates how augmented reality and artificial intelligence are being applied to support advanced maintenance and repair techniques, similar to those used by leading aerospace companies such as Boeing.