Now that you know how to utilize the science simulations and digital teaching aids on the Merge EDU Platform, we can start using some of the additional features the apps offer!
Object Viewer has a special feature called “Place in the World”, which allows users to scan a nearby surface and virtually “place” a 3D object in their environment. This feature allows you to view 3D objects without the Merge Cube, and to see what objects look like at full-size in your room. You can even place multiple objects side-by-side to create a scene or compare and contrast.
In this article, you will learn about:
- How to Place a 3D Object in Object Viewer
- Movement Controls in Object Viewer
- Other Controls in Object Viewer
When you’re ready to start, just follow these steps:
How to Place an Object in Object Viewer
- Launch the Object Viewer app and select a 3D Object.
- Tap "World" at the top of the screen to swap to world mode.
- Scan a surface until you see a white circle form. Make sure that there is enough visual data in the area you are scanning for your device to pick up depth. Once the circle appears, tap the circle to place the object in the world.
- Tap the object you placed in the world to engage the movement controls and adjust the positioning of your hologram.
- Place several different objects next to each other to compare and contrast.
Movement Controls
There are a few ways to move your 3D object once you have placed it in the world. Read about them below:
Move
Tap the object you wish to move to select it (it will be highlighted in white when selected). Then, use one finger to move the object along the X or Z axis (back-and-forth or side-to-side).
Rotate
With the object selected, place two fingers on either side of the object, then turn them clockwise or counterclockwise to rotate the object on the Y axis.
Altitude
With the object selected, place two fingers on the object, then slide them up or down to move the object along the Y axis.
Scale
With the object selected, place two fingers on the object, then pinch them together to scale the object down or spread them apart to scale the object up.
Other Controls
Object Viewer has some other helpful controls you will need to use when placing objects in the world. Read about them below:
Clear Scene
If you placed multiple objects in the world, you can clear all objects at the same time. To do this, select "Options" from the menu along the bottom of your screen. Then, select "Clear Scene."
Delete
To delete a single object, tap the object then select "Options" from the menu along the bottom of your screen. Select "Delete Object."
Pedestal
In the "Options" menu, you will see the "Pedestal" feature. Tap the world "Pedestal" to turn it on. The pedestal button creates a black, cylindrical pedestal beneath the object. You can increase the altitude of the object to extend the pedestal.
Place
The “Place” button to the menu allows you to place more of the same object you selected into the the world. Tapping the place tool will show the white circle again, allowing you to place another 3D object onto the scene.
Note: The Place in World option will remember any object you placed, so you can navigate to another collection or 3D objects and place it on the same scene. If you do not want to continue working with the same scene, be sure to “Clear All” or “Delete” the objects from your scene before continuing.
Now that you’ve learned how to place objects in your environment, you can walk around the object at full size and view it from all angles. You can even place multiple objects and have a digital museum right in your house or classroom!