Day 5: Adding AR Filters and Accessories to the Avatar #ARFilters #AIAvatars

On Day 5, we’ll add virtual accessories like hats, glasses, and masks using Three.js. These AR filters will attach to facial landmarks and move dynamically with the avatar.

1. Overview of AR Filters in AI Avatars

AR filters enhance avatars by adding accessories that move with the face in real time. We’ll:

• Attach hats to the forehead.
• Attach glasses to the eyes.
• Attach masks to the nose & mouth.

2. Installing 3D Models for AR Filters

Step 1: Install drei for Easy Model Importing

npm install @react-three/drei

Step 2: Download 3D Models

Find free 3D accessories on:

• Sketchfab
• Poly Haven
• TurboSquid

Use GLTF or OBJ format for compatibility.

3. Adding a Virtual Hat to the Avatar

Step 1: Import a Hat Model

Modify AvatarRenderer.js:

import { useGLTF } from '@react-three/drei';

function Hat({ position }) {
    const { scene } = useGLTF('/models/hat.gltf'); // Load 3D hat model
    return <primitive object={scene} position={position} scale={[0.5, 0.5, 0.5]} />;
}

Step 2: Attach Hat to the Forehead

Modify AvatarModel.js to position the hat:

function AvatarModel({ facialExpressions, landmarks }) {
    return (
        <group>
            <mesh>
                <sphereGeometry args={[1, 32, 32]} />
                <meshStandardMaterial color="orange" />
            </mesh>

            {/* Hat positioned above the forehead */}
            {landmarks && <Hat position={[landmarks.nose[0], landmarks.nose[1] + 0.2, 1]} />}
        </group>
    );
}

4. Adding Glasses to the Avatar

Step 1: Import Glasses Model

Modify AvatarRenderer.js:

function Glasses({ position }) {
    const { scene } = useGLTF('/models/glasses.gltf');
    return <primitive object={scene} position={position} scale={[0.8, 0.8, 0.8]} />;
}

Step 2: Attach Glasses to the Eyes

Modify AvatarModel.js:

{landmarks && <Glasses position={[landmarks.leftEye[0], landmarks.leftEye[1], 1]} />}

5. Adding a Face Mask to the Avatar

Step 1: Import Mask Model

function Mask({ position }) {
    const { scene } = useGLTF('/models/mask.gltf');
    return <primitive object={scene} position={position} scale={[0.9, 0.9, 0.9]} />;
}

Step 2: Attach Mask to the Nose & Mouth

{landmarks && <Mask position={[landmarks.nose[0], landmarks.nose[1] - 0.1, 1]} />}

6. Synchronizing AR Filters with Face Tracking

Modify detectFace in CameraScreen.js to extract landmark positions:

const extractLandmarks = (landmarks) => {
    return {
        leftEye: landmarks[33],
        rightEye: landmarks[263],
        nose: landmarks[1],
        mouth: landmarks[13],
    };
};

Send these to the Avatar Renderer:

setFacialExpressions({ headTilt, headTurn });
setLandmarks(extractLandmarks(predictions[0].scaledMesh));

7. Testing the AR Filters

Step 1: Start the App

expo start

Step 2: Test Different Accessories

• Move your head left/right → Glasses & Hat should follow.
• Open your mouth → Mask should stay in position.

8. Optimizing Performance

• Use low-poly models for better rendering speed.
• Reduce update frequency:

if (frameCount % 2 === 0) detectFace(frame);

9. Key Concepts Covered

✅ Added hats, glasses, and masks to the avatar.
✅ Synced 3D accessories with facial landmarks.
✅ Optimized real-time rendering for better performance.

10. Next Steps: Adding Avatar Customization

Tomorrow, we’ll: 🔹 Add custom avatar skins.
🔹 Allow users to change outfits and colors.

11. References & Learning Resources

• Three.js Documentation
• GLTF Model Viewer
• React Three Fiber

12. SEO Keywords:

React Native AR filters, Three.js avatar accessories, AI face tracking with 3D models, real-time avatar customization, building VTuber face filters.