WebXR Measure Lab

Estimated time: 30 mins

Setup: Cloning, Building, and Serving the Project

1. Clone the Repository
   Open your terminal and run the following command to download the repository locally:

git clone https://github.com/meta-quest/webxr-showcases.git

This repository contains a collection of open source WebXR showcases developed by Meta. The one we are using is an application that allows you to measure the length of objects in the real world. This subdirectory also contains useful config for local development with WebXR, as we will see. It allows us to see our changes locally on our computer and also access them from our headset on the same network using HTTPS, which is a requirement for WebXR experiences. 

2. Then change into the repository directory:

cd webxr-showcases/realmeasure

3. Build and Serve the Application
   Follow the steps in the project README.md to run the application. If you do not have node (see first command), you can download it here. 

4. When you run the serve command, the terminal will display a few URLs. Use the one the network HTTPS IPv4 URL. It should look like this:

<i> [webpack-dev-server] On Your Network (IPv4): https://10.37.66.58:8081/

5. Open the Meta browser on your Quest and enter this URL, then click Launch.  

The Measurement Activity

Part 1: Measuring Your Partner’s Height

The objective is to use two different techniques to measure your partner’s height within the mixed reality environment. Work with your partner and follow these steps:

1. Technique 1 – Clamp Method

   • Use the following settings:

Measurement Unit: Imperial
Measuring Mode: Clamp

Tips Display: On

1. • Use your controllers to measure the height of your partner. In this mode you must set each point (start and end) and press right trigger when you are ready to lock it. 

   • The application should display the measured height. Record this measurement on the class activity board.

2. Technique 2 – Tape Method

   • Switch to the second measurement technique. 

Measurement Unit: Imperial
Measuring Mode: Tape

Tips Display: On

2. • Use your controllers to measure the height of your partner. In this mode you must drag the points apart and press right trigger when you are ready to lock it. 

   • Once complete, record the resulting measurement on the activity board.

Make sure both partners try both techniques!

Part 2: Measuring the Table Length as a Pair

After recording your partner’s height, you will now attempt to measure the length of the table (longside) as accurately as possible:

• Decide together what your technique(s) will be to measure the length of the table. Your approach here can be very flexible (you can take average, have each person take one controller, use different measuring techniques, etc.). 

• Enter this data into the class activity board alongside your height measurements.

• We will then use measuring tape to obtain a reference length and discuss which pair had the most accurate measurement and how they achieved it!

Discussion

Once everyone has completed both parts of the activity:

• Discuss as a pair (and later as a class) which method provided more accurate or reliable measurements.

• Compare results between the two measurement techniques for person height.

• Note any challenges or discrepancies and brainstorm possible improvements for future mixed reality measuring tools.