I’m writing this post more to order my own thoughts than to put across my idea for a DApp on Hive. The app will be similar to minting NFT images or music, but instead of pictures, users would mint PDF patterns, such as sewing patterns (the app could be expanded to include 3D printing patterns, furniture designs and so on).
Initially, I’d want to focus on PDF sewing patterns for print and projector. The application would enable pattern designers to mint their PDF patterns on the Hive via a Smart Contract. This would be similar to NFTShowroom’s app, whereby the designer pays a small fee in HIVE (currently, NFTShowroom charges 5 SWAP.HIVE, which has the same value as HIVE) to mint their patterns. Users could then either sell copies of their work, or the model could work on a subscription or “hire-out” basis(proof of copyright included as well).
The app would be linked to a community launched (or on an existing HIVE community) on HIVE, in which designers can submit their work for inclusion on the DApp. They, obviously, would also be paid for their post, as is the case for all Hive posts. This post should include a tutorial for users who buy their patterns. Obviously, a purpose linked token floated on Hive would also be a good idea, so that designers could be doubly rewarded, as they are via many other tokens on HIVE, such as LOH (Ladies of Hive) and so forth.
The front end of the app would be mobile friendly from the start (which isn’t currently the case with many Hive applications) and include tools for designers, such as a purpose built CAD(tool to draw PDF patterns digitally to accurate measurements) and a grading tool to transform ready made patterns into specifically sized versions, based on the buyer’s measurements. Naturally, the app would also include analytics and posting information drawn from HIVE.
CAD software is hard to use. Often designers have to go on expensive courses to learn how to use this type of software to make digital patterns. Generally, these tools require that the user draw the design (using drawing tools, such as straight line and bezier curve tools, which are damn hard to use). Originally, when I planned a range of PDF patterns, I attempted to use CAD software, it was so difficult that I decided to make my own easy to use tool. My software requires zero exacting drawing skills and all the designer has to do is input the length and position of the lines and curves on the pattern in centimeters or inches. It’s so simple - measure the pattern, input the measurements (like plotting a graph) and that’s it, the software then renders a .png file(I’m thinking of changing it to a vector file) and then renders an accurately sized PDF for the designer to sell. See the basic video below on how my software works.
Additionally, I’m investigating AR for pattern projection, which would eliminate the need for printing or projectors. Buyers could simply project the pattern onto their fabric using their Smartphone or Tablet. AR applications are here, this is not future tech, but the application has not extended to pattern projection yet. I’ve got the AR working, but my file format needs work - currently it’s still too small and I rendered the entire file transparent - for the transparency all that needs to be done is to block out the actual pattern in white or black, while leaving the sides transparent (not too hard). Sizing is an issue and I have to work with it, but I do have the pattern on the correct plane, which has been an issue thus far. This application is (hopefully) only weeks away. A purpose-built converter would then be added to the DApp to convert PDFs to AR files.
See the video below to view an AR dinosaur appearing on my dining room table on top of my iPad, which has a Hiro marker displayed on it. I’m filming from my other iPad from the browser (even phones and iPads of 5years old can handle this app).
The second part of the video shows my pattern displayed on the table, it’s far too transparent and incorrectly sized, but it’s there and these issues can be addressed.
Please let me know what you 🤔 💭 think
To test the AR on your device open the links below and display the Hiro marker under the browser (Print it out or display on another device)
https://itsostylish.com/patternAR.html
https://ar-js-org.github.io/AR.js/aframe/examples/marker-based/basic.html
All images and videos my own except for the marker, which is in the public domain