Cache Craze is a game show series on YTV where competitors go head to head on an Augmented Reality Geo cache hunt unlocking points, surprises and more. Meld provided a one stop shop for app development and broadcast design.
THE GOODS
We designed the broadcast package including the logo and opening animation as well as the Augmented Reality iOS app and back-end Producer Portal. The iOS app was used as a platform to facilitate the hunt by delivering both points and instructions for next challenges. The Producer Portal server allowed producers to balance the game live during filming.
THE APP
Contestants used the Cache Craze App to guide them on their challenge-hunt throughout the city. Cache Craze stickers acting as Augmented Reality Markers, were scattered throughout the environment. When scanned with the iPhone, they would reveal points unlocked and instruct on further challenges.
BROADCAST DESIGN
Branding and animation were developed for the show along with a fully editable show package as this show required an extensive tool kit during editing.
PRODUCER PORTAL
In order for the app to be the next-steps delivery method, producers wanted to have the ability to manage the points, challenges, to facilitate the nature of the live TV production.
The app also contained this back-end database where where producers of the show could log in, see the teams and their location in real-time, and if the situation requires it, could add or take away points and edit challenges during live filming.
The app also contained this back-end database where where producers of the show could log in, see the teams and their location in real-time, and if the situation requires it, could add or take away points and edit challenges during live filming.
THE TECH
We used Qualcomm's Vuforia Augmented Reality toolkit, Google maps and a PHP web server for the Producer Portal which allowed management of caches, challenges and team points.
The GPS-based system had a accuracy radius of approximately 20ft, which was adequate for this type of experience and within the scale of the open environment.
The GPS-based system had a accuracy radius of approximately 20ft, which was adequate for this type of experience and within the scale of the open environment.