Etsy Engineering Presents the AR Measuring Box: Revolutionizing Measurement on a Whole New Level

Etsy has introduced a new feature in its iOS app that utilizes Apple’s Augmented Reality (AR) tools to enable users to visualize how artwork would look on their walls. The feature, initially available only for “wall art” categories, has now been expanded to include other categories. The feature aims to enhance the user’s experience of browsing and purchasing unique and customizable items on Etsy. The company has improved its data parsing and dimension recognition capabilities to provide accurate size options to users. Additionally, the app uses 3D modeling to present the dimensions of an item in an intuitive and interactive manner. Environment occlusion technology ensures that the virtual item interacts with the real-world environment for a more realistic visualization. Overall, the feature is designed to make it easier for users to understand the size, scale, and fit of an item in their space before making a purchase.

Full Article: Etsy Engineering Presents the AR Measuring Box: Revolutionizing Measurement on a Whole New Level

Storytelling Version:

Once upon a time, Etsy, the popular online marketplace, introduced an exciting new feature in their iOS app. This feature allowed users to use Apple’s Augmented Reality (AR) tools to visualize how artwork from Etsy sellers would look on their walls. It was a game-changer for those looking to buy art but wanted to see how it would fit in their space before making a purchase.

Initially, the feature was only available for “wall art” categories. However, the team at Etsy wanted to expand it to work with more categories. They understood that what set Etsy apart from other platforms was the unique and customizable nature of their sellers’ items. But expanding the feature to show 3D models of millions of items, many of which could be further customized, was a daunting task.

Inspired by Etsy’s Guiding Principles, the team delved deeper into the feature. They wanted to improve how it worked behind the scenes and make it a compelling addition to the marketplace. They wanted to give users the ability to visualize how an item would fit in their space conveniently and accurately, without the need for tape measures.

One of the challenges they faced was parsing seller-provided data to extract dimensions. Sellers would often include dimensions in various places, such as the description or the title of the listing. To solve this problem, the team created a regex-based parser in the iOS app that could extract dimensions by looking for specific patterns in a few key fields.

The team also migrated the parsing functionality to the API backend, making it platform-independent and allowing them to bring the feature to their Android app. This change also improved performance and allowed for more consistent dimensions by caching the results instead of parsing them live on the client.

With the improved parsing capabilities, Etsy was able to show size options for items with more accuracy. They sanitized free-form text input fields, taking into account different measurement units, spellings, and formats used by sellers in different languages.

To make the AR experience even better, Etsy created a 3D measuring tool using Apple’s SceneKit framework. Users could now see a rectangular prism representing the item’s dimensions. They could interact with the tool by dragging or tapping to move it around and rotate it on all axes.

The team also added environment occlusion, which allowed the measuring tool to interact realistically with real-life objects in a room. Users could now see how an item would fit in their space, whether it would be visible from certain angles or fit between furniture.

Overall, the team at Etsy worked hard to improve the AR feature and make it a seamless and helpful tool for their users. They focused on improving dimension parsing, creating a 3D measuring tool, and adding environment occlusion to enhance the user experience. With these improvements, Etsy users could confidently visualize and purchase items for their space without the need for tape measures or guesswork.

Summary: Etsy Engineering Presents the AR Measuring Box: Revolutionizing Measurement on a Whole New Level

Etsy has expanded its Augmented Reality (AR) feature to showcase 3D models of items in its marketplace. The feature allows users to visualize how an item would look and fit in their space by placing a virtual box in their environment. Etsy improved its parsing functionality to extract dimensions from listings and implemented scene occlusion for a more realistic AR experience. The feature is available on the Etsy iOS app and will be rolled out to the Android app in the future.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the AR Measuring Box?

The AR Measuring Box is an innovative solution developed by Etsy Engineering to replace traditional tape measures with augmented reality technology. It allows users to accurately measure distances using their smartphones or tablets.

How does the AR Measuring Box work?

The AR Measuring Box utilizes the device’s camera and sensors to detect the environment and generate virtual measuring lines. Users simply need to point their device at the desired starting and ending points, and the app will display the precise distance measurement.

What are the advantages of using the AR Measuring Box?

Using the AR Measuring Box offers several benefits:

• Increased convenience: No need to carry around a physical tape measure.
• Accurate measurements: The AR technology ensures precise distance calculations.
• Time-saving: Measurements can be taken quickly without the need for manual calculations.
• Accessibility: The app can be easily downloaded and used on compatible smartphones and tablets.

Is the AR Measuring Box compatible with all devices?

The AR Measuring Box is compatible with iOS and Android devices that meet the necessary requirements. Users can check the app store or Google Play Store for compatibility and system requirements.

Is the AR Measuring Box free to use?

Yes, the AR Measuring Box is available as a free download. Users can install it on their devices without any cost.

Is the AR Measuring Box accurate?

Yes, the AR Measuring Box is designed to provide accurate measurements within a reasonable margin of error. However, it is recommended to use it in a well-lit environment for optimal results.

Can the AR Measuring Box be used for professional purposes?

While the AR Measuring Box can be a useful tool, it is primarily intended for personal and casual use. For professional applications that require high precision, it is recommended to use dedicated measurement instruments.

Where can I download the AR Measuring Box app?

The AR Measuring Box app can be downloaded from the Apple App Store for iOS devices and the Google Play Store for Android devices. Simply search for “AR Measuring Box” and follow the installation instructions.

What support or documentation is available for the AR Measuring Box?

Etsy Engineering provides comprehensive documentation and support resources for the AR Measuring Box. Users can visit our website or access the in-app help section for detailed instructions and troubleshooting assistance.

Can I provide feedback or suggest improvements for the AR Measuring Box?

Absolutely! We value user feedback and continuously strive to enhance our products. Users can provide feedback and suggestions through the app or contact our support team directly.