DiagramAR app for iPhone and iPad

As many students have experienced, trying to understand complex 3-dimensional diagrams displayed on a 2-dimensional textbook page can be quite confusing. DiagramAR solves this problem by efficiently converting 2D Matplotlib figures from lecture notes into immersive AR visualizations in real time. The user can move the figure in their surroundings and manipulate the values of the figure’s equations.

When an instructor creates a 2D figure, the attributes of that figure are stored in a JSON file. This file can be delivered to the app via a menu system, or can be encoded in a QR code right next to the 2D figure in the lecture notes. For less complex figures with smaller JSON files, the app can obtain a JSON string that is encoded directly within the QR code, requiring no internet connection for the user. 

Figures can be made available on the DiagramAR app as automatic byproducts of the instructor’s preparation of the lecture notes. In this way, the AR figures are created with little additional work on both the students’ and the instructors part.

This app was originally developed at Boston University to support teaching introductory linear algebra. It currently supports visualizations for fundamental linear algebra concepts, such as vectors, lines, planes, and curved surfaces.

Project Advisor and Developer:
Mark Crovella

Lead Developer:
Dennis Henneman

Designer:
Lily Chen

Support:
[email protected]