A complex augmentation is a combination of different types of augmentations in a single scene that act as a unique object. When users selects the ”AR Experience Editor” type from the available types of augmentations, a new window will open which contains the editor (Figure 26). In the middle of the editor, the trigger image is displayed inside a grid.

Figure 26: Experience Editor preview

Before embarking on the creation of a new complex augmentation, users have the option to customize their editing environment for optimal comfort. Clicking the ”Theme” option (Figure 27), users can choose between the original ”Light” and ”Dark” theme (Figure 28), aligning the editing interface with their personal preferences.

Figure 27: Experience Editor Themes

Figure 28: Experience Editor Dark Theme

The ”View” button presents users with two distinct viewing options (Figure 29). ”Full screen” mode immerses users in a distraction-free environment and the ”Preview” option presents a clean view of the augmentation (Figure 30), free from editing tool clutter, enabling detailed inspection and refinement of the work.

Figure 29: Experience Editor View

Figure 30: Experience Editor Preview Example

The ”Add Shape” feature (Figure 31) unlocks creative possibilities for users to elevate their augmentations, offering a selection of 3D shapes to choose from. This includes creative options like Planes, Boxes, Spheres, Cones, and Cylinders, each adding a unique and dimensional aspect to the augmentation (Figure 32).

Figure 31: Experience Editor Shapes

Figure 32: Experience Editor Shapes Example

The ”Add Object” button (Figure 33) provides users with the functionality to upload various types of objects from their device directly into the editor. This includes a wide range of file types such as Images, Videos, and 3D Models. Additionally, it offers the convenience of uploading models via a URL link, further enhancing the flexibility and ease with which users can integrate diverse content into their augmentations (Figure 34).

Figure 33: Experience Editor Objects

Figure 34: Experience Editor Shapes Example

The editing interface of ARTutor is designed with user convenience and precision in mind, featuring a well-organized layout that facilitates effortless transformation and customization of Shapes and Objects: Transformation Modes (Left Side of Screen): Users can access three transformation modes via buttons located on the left side of the screen (Figure 35):

Figure 35: Transformation Modes

a) Position Mode: Activated by the first button, this mode allows users to adjust the position of the selected object within the augmented space.

b) Rotation Mode: The second button enables users to modify the object’s rotation, offering control over its orientation.

c) Size Mode: With the third button, users can alter the size of the object, scaling it to fit their design needs.

Inspector Window (Right Side of Screen): The Inspector Window (Figure 36) is a pivotal component of the ARTutor editing environment, designed to empower users with comprehensive control over their selected objects.

Figure 36: Inspector Window

Activating when an object is selected, this window unfolds a robust array of editing tools, each meticulously crafted to cater to the specific nuances of object manipulation and customization. It serves as a central hub for precision editing, offering intuitive and advanced features that enhance the user’s ability to tailor every detail of their augmented experience.

Object ID Selection: Enables selection of objects through a drop down menu of all the Objects unique IDs (Figure 37).

Figure 37: Object ID selection

Object Info: This component of the Inspector Window (Figure 38)displays the currently selected Object ID. Visibility options are also accessible, allowing users to toggle the display of the object in the augmented environment. Additionally, the Object Info section offers the practical ability to clone objects, facilitating the replication of elements within the scene, as well as the option to completely remove an object, aiding in the precise customization of the augmentation layout.

Figure 38: Object Info

Object Position: Allows precise adjustment of the object’s position along the x, y, and z axes, editable numerically (Figure 39). The ’Snap’ feature lets users define a snapping gap for movement, adjustable via a slider or by entering a value between 0 and 1.

Figure 39: Object Position

Object Rotation: Facilitates modification of the object’s rotation on each axis, with numerical input (Figure 40). The ’Snap’ feature lets users define a snapping gap for rotation, adjustable via a slider or by entering a value between 0 and 1.

Figure 40: Object Rotation

Object Size: Allows precise adjustment of the object’s Size along the x, y, and z axes, editable numerically (Figure 41). The ’Snap’ feature lets users define a snapping gap for the resizing, adjustable via a slider or by entering a value between 0 and 1.

Figure 41: Object Size

Object Material: This feature enhances the visual appeal of objects by providing a comprehensive color customization tool. Users can effortlessly choose their desired hue using an intuitive color picker, which also displays the corresponding color code for precision (Figure 42). Additionally, there’s the option to specify which side of the object (front, back, or both) the color applies to, allowing for more detailed design control. The feature also includes a toggle for basic shading.

Figure 42: Object Material

Object Texture: Enables texture application through a text field for textual textures or an image file upload for image textures (Figure 43).

Figure 43: Object Texture:

OnClick: Gives the possibility to assign multiple interactive functions to the object, such as ”URL” which opens a specified link, or ”Visible” toggling the object’s visibility upon clicking (Figure 44).

Figure 44: OnClick

File: When users have finished building their desired scene, they can save it from the ”File” button on the top left side of the screen (Figure 45). When the saving progress is completed, they will be taken back to the augmentation list of their book.

Figure 45: Saving Scene

In the space scene example below (Figure 46), created using the AR Experience Editor, a wide range of tools and features have been skillfully employed to construct a dynamic and visually captivating augmented reality environment. To represent celestial bodies such as planets and asteroids, various shapes have been intricately added, alongside elements like a quiz question with its trio of potential answers. The scene’s complexity is further enhanced with the inclusion of detailed objects like a 3D model of a satellite and a moon image background, adding layers of depth and realism.

Figure 46: AR Experience Editor Example

Key to the assembly and refinement of the scene, the transformation modes have been extensively utilized. These modes enabled precise control over the movement, rotation, and resizing of shapes and objects, allowing for an easy placement and alignment within the virtual cosmos.

The Inspector Window has served as an invaluable tool for detailed editing of each elements within the scene. It has allowed the customization of the color of shapes, adjustment of lighting effects for atmospheric ambiance, text textures creation and incorporate interactive ’OnClick’ effects. These effects not only include the removal of incorrect quiz answers but also the integration of a URL link. This link transports users to the source of information upon selecting the correct answer, creating an interactive and educational experience.

Overall, the thorough application of the AR Experience Editor’s capabilities in this space scene exemplifies the platform’s potential for creating engaging and informative augmented reality scenarios.