I am currently working on a training simulator where the user will have to run around a store and scan various items. I have modeled a device and have it displayed as a child of the main camera. What I would now like to do is have it so there is an infrared laser scanner effect emanating from the 3d model and have it so the user can press directional buttons and move the scanner and laser beam around the product they are currently selecting.
In my head there seems to be a few parts here. An effect that projects out from the scanner that looks like a beam, then that beam needs to be seen on the 3d product (box of cereal or something) so the user knows where they have the beam aligned and finally i need to detect that the barcode has been properly aligned.
I know I can get something working, but just wasn’t sure if there were any recommended ways of doing this in unity now.
I’m currently thinking a volumetric beam for the beam effect, have to research more on the projection of the beam on the product, and then using a raycast for intersection on the box. This would however require me to put specific collision boxes for just my barcodes on all products around the store. So it would be preferable if there was another idea, but this is currently what I believe I am going to have to do. Eventually this is supposed to run on mobile, which is why in the back of my head i’m not sure how well volumetric lighting is going to be. So should anyone have any input, I would love to hear it.
Thanks all!!