By Anne Basham  6/8/2020

Augmented skulls that can be rotated and viewed on all sides. Useful for teaching human evolution in distance education programs without access to physical replicas. Image credit ExplorMor Labs

Teaching lepidoptera classification

LepXplor was initially started as part of the NSF funded LepNet project.   LepXplor has since evolved and is utilizing WebAR technology to create  Virtual Collection boxes (VCB) to represent  collection trays of Lepidoptera. The tool will be used to teach Lepidoptera classification for different skill levels.   
​Additional features to be developed:
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•Audio pronunciation of scientific names.
•Magnifying glass to see structural features up close. 
•Identification of larval forms.
•Distribution maps.
•Phylogenetic information/relationships.
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What is Web-based Augmented reality?

Augmented reality (AR) is a technology that allows one to superimpose virtual content over objects and physical space creating an alternate reality.  WebAR is augmented reality that uses an Internet Browser to share augmented content rather than the use of a native application. The advantages of WebAR is the ease in being able to share and update content via the simple sharing of a URL link rather than having to download and launch an application. Native applications have to be processed and approved by the various app stores every time there is an update.  The ability to quickly switch out and update content enhances its use as an educational tool.

    

​To see a preview print the activity/collection box click image below.  Scan QR code then scan below image to check your answers!  

Click image to open PDF and print for better results.

Augmented content launched from a paper specimen.

A collection of paper specimens which can become a Virtual Collection Box (VCB). Credit: ExplorMor Labs

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ARPEO (Augmented reality for public education and outreach) iDigbio  working group 

Interested in joining the ARPEO Project? This will be a continuation of the effort initially started with the development of the native app version of Libraries of Life.  With the rise of new technologies like WebAR there is an increased ability to collaborate and share content easily.

​Collection groups can be involved by sending us a  picture of your collection box (or other objects) and if we achieve good results you can use in your outreach programs.  Contact us for more info. 

​•Your picture can be a collection tray or herbarium sheet.
•It can be a picture of a 3D object/specimen. Fossils, shells, etc.
•Provide a catalog number and ID for each specimen.  

We are using BublUp as our digital platform for content contributions. Go to the following link to activate.

ARPEO digital repository


 For more info contact Anne Basham at                   
[email protected]

​Bridging the Gap between the  virtual and the tangible

A virtual pitcher plant emerges out of a real fossil rock. Computer vision is able to detect the fossil imprint of the coral from the rest of the rock. Image credit ExplorMor Labs.

It appears that the computer vision (CV) used in many WebAR software tools are quite powerful in that it does not  know the difference between a 2D image and a 3D object.  If an image of an insect collection tray is set up as a target image then the actual collection tray will likewise activate the AR content  and respond in the same way as if it was a printed target.  As long as the specimens in the physical collection tray are not rearranged or altered from the original 2D image the application will read it.  There is the potential in using this technology in creating  immersive teaching collections that can be updated and delivered via a simple QR code. 
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​This was also tested with more complex objects like a fossil rock.  Here we see a virtual pitcher plant launching out of the precise point where we see the imprint of the fossil coral.  The fossil can be rotated and held and the plant will continue to track in position.  

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             BUILDING ON THE EXTENDED CYBERSPECIMEN