Exploration ToolKit (ExTK)

The Exploration ToolKit (ExTK) is a reusable Extended Reality (XR) system developed for incorporating and exploring 3-Dimenstional (3-D) computer aided design (CAD) models in XR, with a primary focus on Augmented Reality (AR). ExTK is developed using the Unity Development Platform.

Overview

This project serves the development, implementation and deployment of the Exploration ToolKit (ExTK). This toolkit is desinged for Unity and allows users to easily set up a project to explore their CAD models, incorporating basic exploration functionality.

Structure

ExTK consists of two modes: Developer Mode and User Mode.

Developer Mode

In Developer Mode, ExTK provides developers with the ability to easily import 3-D CAD models and activate desired exploration functionality and layout. Multiple models can be added to a single instantiation of the ExTK by use of Unity’s Scene capability. Exploration functions include scaling, rotating, explode/contract, animations, hiding parts, submodules, and measurement functions.

User Mode

In User Mode, ExTK provides a menu system that allows users to select models and initiate exploration functions. ExTK is architected for reusability and developers can customize the ExTK layout and functions according to application needs. ExTK is designed to be hardware agnostic and currently supports HoloLens v1, HoloLens v2, and standalone PC.

Implementation

ExTK is a Unity Package that can be imported in then added to the scene to allow for the manipulation of models with this scene.

1. Start New Unity Project
2. Download the ExTK_V*.unitypackage file

   • Note: * indicates placeholder for version number`

3. Import in ExTK Unity Package
4. Go to Toolbar and select ExTK->Add Component->Add Exploration ToolKit
5. Select Exploration ToolKit in Hierarchy
   • Look in the inspector on the right
     • Add your model
     • [Optional] Add your runtime animator controller if you have animations
     • Add preferred button prefab for User Interface (UI) appearance

       • Note: If you don't have one a default will be given to you

     • Select which model abilities you would like to add by selecting the enable check mark on the right and click the name to drop down the settings for each

Deploying to Devices

Note: The following devices supported as of August 2021 are:

• HoloLens V1
• HoloLens V2
• Standalone PC

The following deployment steps use Unity, ExTK, and Microsoft's Mixed Reality Toolkit (MRTK) for deployment to the HoloLens 1 and 2.

Deploying to HoloLens V1

1. Open Build Window (Mixed Reality -> Toolkit -> Utilities -> Build Window)
2. Select Unity Build Window tab
   • Target Device: HoloLens
   • Add your scene to the Scenes in Build
   • Click Build Unity Project button
   • Wait for build to finish
   • Click Cancel when the AppX Build window pops up
3. Select AppX Build Options
   • Build Configuration: Release or preferred
   • Build Platform: x86 for HoloLens 1
   • Platform Toolset: Solution
   • Click Build AppX
     • Wait for it to finish
4. Select Deploy Options tab
   • Target Type: Local or preferred
   • Username and Password are tied to your Windows Deployment login
   • Connect HoloLens 1
   • Click Test Connection

     • Note: It will say Successful or Failure

   • Click Install App button in Builds

Deploying to HoloLens V2

1. Open Build Window (Mixed Reality -> Toolkit -> Utilities -> Build Window)
2. Select Unity Build Window tab
   • Target Device: HoloLens
   • Add your scene to the Scenes in Build
   • Click Build Unity Project button
   • Wait for build to finish
   • Click Cancel when the AppX Build window pops up
3. Select AppX Build Options
   • Build Configuration: Release or preferred
   • Build Platform: ARM64 for HoloLens 2
   • Platform Toolset: Solution
   • Click Build AppX
     • Wait for it to finish
4. Select Deploy Options tab
   • Target Type: Local or preferred
   • Username and Password are tied to your Windows Deployment login
   • Connect HoloLens 2
   • Click Test Connection

     • Note: It will say Successful or Failure

   • Click Install App button in Builds