Wheel Replacement Training

Choosing to focus the virtual interactive manual on how to replace a wheel on a truck, it was decided that the only way users could really understand this process was if the truck were really in front of them. With this in mind, the team decided to release an augmented reality version to target the majority of users and a mixed reality solution to target those specifically trying to crack into mixed reality.

The augmented reality solution uses marker-rich technology, whereas the mixed reality solution uses holograms. After a fruitful discussion with the development and artistic teams, we formed the vision of the application and decided upon how potential users will interact with it. When using the AR version, the user points the camera of their smartphone or tablet at a “marker,” and a 3D rotatable, interactive model of the truck appears against the real-time backdrop of the user’s current environment. In the case of this app, the marker is a 2D image of the truck.

Using the MR version, the user can explore a virtual hologram of the truck that exists within the actual, physical space that the user is currently in. This allows the user to walk around and explore the specifics in the exact same manner that he/she would if it were truly there. The application primarily serves two functions: first, transforming the written content of training into interactive, virtual models; second, broadcasting the model into user's current, physical environment in real-time. The models can then be rotated, zoomed in or out, and moved in order to give a full range of inspection. With the model in view, the app then proceeds to inform, test, and train the user in how to replace the wheel in a fully interactive, visual experience. The vital system features are execution speed and stability. Thanks to this, the entire app runs smoothly and quickly.

Agile methodology and short, well-planned sprints helped us to introduce a fully-functioning AR and MR application within just a few months. In addition to traditional unit testing, the Program-Ace team used cross-platform testing to avoid bugs and unexpected app crashes.