3D Chai Crystals: Augmented Reality

The Chai Crystal started out as a single, flat, still design. I decided for my hack I wanted to explore the python scripting extension in Cinema 4D R15 while the backend hackers in my group slept, to see if I could animate the crystal. When I created a gif for my business cards I never thought to create a hack with the flat design. But I was inspired by the possibility of 3D animated crystals and their hypnotic and augmented reality feel.

So I started from scratch, re-created the crystals in Cinema 4D, coded some position tracks and brought in some materials. I then reflected and positioned certain elements to create a cool "fill and reflect" effect. I am proud with how they turned out. My goal with this hack would be to bring the crystals into some type of augmented reality or digitized platform that could project them or allow users to interact with them: Whether the user would move it on their own with Thalmic Myo or Leap Motion technology or have it within their Pebble on their wrist. I am really excited to learn more about augmented reality, 3D and 4D technology.

I spent the last few hours of the hackathon with another hacker from Penn State, Brennan Cornell, working to get a working prototype with Leap Motion, inspired by the Elon Musk & Leap Motion Cad Model.

Unfortunately the API wouldn't update and run correctly in Java so we couldn't get a working demo but it was still fun getting it to the demo stage and working with the technology!

concept demo video: https://vimeo.com/106715525 password: 36hours