Creating Your Own DIY Version of a Cardboard Virtual Reality (VR) Viewer Is a Fun and Educational Project.
by SohamP2 in Craft > Cardboard
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Creating Your Own DIY Version of a Cardboard Virtual Reality (VR) Viewer Is a Fun and Educational Project.
Works
- Simple Design: Made from cardboard, it includes lenses, a slot for a smartphone, and an input method (like a magnet or button).
- Smartphone Integration: Users slide their smartphone into the front of the Cardboard, and the phone’s screen serves as the display.
- Lens Function: The lenses in the Cardboard split the phone’s screen into two images, creating a stereoscopic (3D) effect when viewed through the lenses.
Use
- Accessibility: Due to its low cost, universities can easily provide or encourage students to obtain their own Cardboard viewers.
- Educational Apps and VR Content: Students can access a variety of educational content, including 360° videos and interactive learning apps.
- DIY Aspect: The do-it-yourself nature of Cardboard can be part of a hands-on learning experience, particularly in design, technology, and engineering courses.
Basic Content Ty
Basic Content Types:
- 360° Videos: These are the most common and accessible types of content for Cardboard, offering immersive experiences.
- Basic VR Applications: Educational apps in fields like biology, astronomy, and history can provide interactive learning experiences.
- Virtual Tours: Students can take virtual field trips to museums, historical sites, and even explore outer space.
Why It’s Ideal
- Low Cost: Its affordability makes it accessible for large numbers of students and for schools with limited budgets.
- Ease of Use: Its simplicity ensures that it’s user-friendly, requiring minimal technical expertise.
- Educational Engagement: Provides an immersive learning experience, which can enhance understanding and engagement in various subjects.
Supplies
Materials Needed:
- Cardboard: Thick, corrugated cardboard is ideal.
- Lenses: Biconvex lenses with a focal length of about 45mm. These can be sourced online or from some hardware stores.
- Magnets: One neodymium ring magnet and one ceramic disk magnet.
- Velcro: To create a secure closure for your phone.
- Rubber Band: To keep your phone from sliding out.
- NFC Tag (optional): For automatically launching your VR app.
- Craft Knife and Glue.
Instructions:
- Download and Print the Template:
- provides a template for Cardboard. Download and print it out.
- Cut the Cardboard:
- Place the template on your cardboard.
- Use a craft knife to cut out the Cardboard shape following the template lines.
- Fold and Glue:
- Fold the cardboard along the lines indicated in the template.
- Glue the flaps where necessary to hold the shape.
- Install the Lenses:
- Insert the biconvex lenses in the two eye slots.
- Make sure the curved sides face outward.
- Add the Magnets:
- Place the neodymium magnet inside the box on the side.
- Attach the ceramic magnet on the outside of the box to hold the neodymium magnet in place. These will act as your input button.
- Add Velcro and Rubber Band:
- Attach Velcro to the flap where your phone will sit to secure it.
- Place a rubber band around the entire box to further secure the phone.
- Attach the NFC Tag (Optional):
- Stick the NFC tag inside the Cardboard if you want to auto-launch a VR app when you insert your phone.
- Assemble the Viewer:
- Fold the Cardboard into its final shape as a VR viewer.
- Make sure everything is firmly glued and dried.
- Insert Your Phone and Test:
- Slide your smartphone into the Cardboard holder.
- Open a VR app or a 360° video and look through the lenses.
Tips:
- Ensure the cardboard is cut precisely for the best fit.
- Be careful with the lenses as they are the most crucial part for a clear VR experience.
- Customize the viewer to fit your phone and your face comfortably.
Once you’ve assembled your DIY cardboard VR viewer, you can explore a variety of VR apps and 360° videos available on your smartphone’s app store. This project not only provides a basic understanding of VR technology but also offers a hands-on approach to learning and creativity.
What types of Smartphones works best
- Screen Size: Ideally, the phone should have a screen size between 4 and 6 inches. This range ensures that the screen fits well within the Cardboard’s viewing window and provides an immersive experience.
- Screen Resolution: Higher screen resolutions provide a clearer and more detailed VR experience. Look for a phone with at least a Full HD (1080p) resolution, though QHD (1440p) or higher is preferable.
- Gyroscope Sensor: This is crucial for tracking head movements. A gyroscope allows the VR environment to respond as you move your head, creating an immersive experience. Most modern smartphones include this sensor.
- Processor and RAM: A decent processor and enough RAM (at least 2GB, ideally 4GB or more) are important for running VR applications smoothly. Higher performance reduces lag and improves the overall experience.
- Accelerometer and Magnetometer: These sensors, often standard in smartphones, contribute to the VR experience. The accelerometer helps in tracking movement, while the magnetometer (or compass) can be used for orientation.
- Operating System: Cardboard is compatible with both Android and iOS. However, ensure the smartphone runs a relatively recent version of these operating systems for better app support and performance.
- Battery Life: VR applications can be power-intensive. A smartphone with good battery life or efficient power management is advantageous.
- Comfortable Weight: Since the phone will be mounted on your face, a lighter smartphone can make the VR experience more comfortable, especially for prolonged use.
share of advantages and limitations.
Pros:
- Affordability:Cardboard is one of the most cost-effective ways to experience VR, making it accessible to a wide audience.
- Ease of Use: Its simple design and functionality make it easy for anyone to use, requiring no technical expertise.
- Wide Compatibility: It works with most smartphones, regardless of the brand or operating system, as long as the phone fits in the viewer.
- Portability: Being made of lightweight cardboard, it’s easy to carry around and can be used anywhere.
- Educational Value: It’s a great tool for educational purposes, allowing students to experience immersive learning at a low cost.
- Open-Source Design: The DIY aspect of Google Cardboard encourages experimentation and customization, which can be particularly appealing in educational and creative settings.
- Good Introduction to VR: It offers a basic introduction to VR, allowing users to explore the possibilities of this technology without a significant investment.
Cons:
- Limited Immersion: Due to its basic design, the immersion level is significantly lower compared to more advanced VR headsets.
- Lack of Advanced Features: It doesn’t have features like built-in headphones, motion tracking, or hand controllers, which are available in higher-end VR headsets.
- Comfort and Durability: Being made of cardboard, it can wear out quickly and may not be comfortable for extended use, especially compared to padded headsets.
- Dependency on Smartphone Quality: The VR experience heavily depends on the smartphone used, with better experiences on higher-end phones.
- Limited App Compatibility: Some VR applications may not be compatible with Cardboard or may offer limited functionality.
- No Integrated Control System: It typically relies on a magnet or touch button for control, which is less intuitive and effective than the controllers used with more sophisticated VR systems.
- Potential for Motion Sickness: Like with many VR systems, users might experience motion sickness, and this can be more pronounced with the basic tracking capabilities of Cardboard.