MR
MIXED REALITY
Mixed Reality (MR) combines concepts from both AR and VR placing virtual objects in positional space around you. Using spatial anchoring techniques models can be positioned on a conference table, or expanded to life-size allowing observers to walk through the model while collaborating with other users locally or at remote locations.
Mixed reality does not exclusively take place in either the physical or virtual world, but is a hybrid of reality and virtual reality, encompassing both augmented reality and augmented virtuality via immersive technology.
Mixed reality technology allows real and virtual elements to interact with one another and the user to interact with virtual elements like they would in the real world. Since mixed reality maintains a connexion to the real world it is not considered a fully immersive experience. In a mixed reality environment, wherever you go and look when wearing MR technology, the 3D content that you encounter in the space will react to you the same as it would in the real world. For example, an object will move closer to you when you move closer to it and you can interact with it, e.g.
There must be an MR device, either a headset or translucent glasses, to create the experience. Using a lot more processing power than either virtual or augmented reality, mixed reality technology joins the virtual and real worlds into one connected experience with the help of either gaze/gesture/voice recognition technology through a headset or a pair of motion controllers.
HOW BUSINESS CAN BNEFIT FROM MIXED REALITY
Quality assurance and control
Mixed reality solutions are also playing a key role in enabling quality assurance coordination and clash detection much earlier in the project lifecycle by coordinating multiple 3D models, which is better than using a 2D screen where it’s easy to overlook issues.
Helps to catch potential issues
Contractors can review and approve mission-critical designs by verifying the interaction and constructability of complex systems before they are fabricated and installed. It also saves costs by helping to catch potential issues in the virtual world before something gets built, so companies don’t have to tear things out and start over.
Increased productivity and efficiency
More than simply the ability to look at the model, advanced mixed-reality solutions give users access to critical building information modelling (BIM) data embedded within project components. By visualizing and “walking through” their projects in the digital world, teams can route changes and RFIs much more quickly and also accelerate the pre-construction process.
Helps prevent chaos during the coordination
They can also identify site issues earlier to reduce downstream rework and prevent chaos during the coordination. This is helping companies shorten project schedules, reduce costs, eliminate rework, and support additional workflows like on-site assembly, progress tracking using 4D models, and even asset management.
Enhanced collaboration among teams
Construction projects involve multiple teams and collaboration must be there between these teams for successful completion of projects, well within the set schedule and budget. Any errors that arise must wait for all the parties involved to assemble. Team members are able to consult with each other and work with the information needed, greatly lowering the time and costs needed to make a decision.
Helps integrate and use technology
As the digital transformation continues in the construction industry and beyond, Mixed Reality will play a bigger role in helping companies integrate and use technology in ways that have yet to be imagined.
Comprehensive on-job inspection
The ability to combine all digital information and documentation with one’s physical view. Information including the locations of pipes, walls, outlets, switches, and ventilation can be accessed directly on the site in layers that can be easily toggled on and off. Information retrieval allows field workers to effectively monitor a project against its building plan and ensure its successful completion.
Better project planning
The value of mixed reality in construction sets in right from the planning and permitting stages. Mixed Reality allows teams to conduct walkthroughs of the entire project before it is executed, closely examining the details and components of the structure. This foresight can prevent schedule delays, reduce cost overruns, and identify any mistakes before they surface.
Maximizing BIM investment
Maximizing BIM investment to track progress, quickly identifying discrepancies, and assuring the quality by overlaying models on the real world.
Accelerating decision making
Accelerating decision making and reducing downtime by enhancing communication and collaboration between local and remote teams
Increase engagement
Add context to structural data and geo-referenced assets by overlaying them onto the real-world and this increase engagement and buy-in among diverse stakeholders.
Save time by efficiently visualizing
Save time by efficiently visualizing, conveying and interacting with complex 3D data.
MR SUPPORTS DEVICE MODELS
Several companies are working on mixed reality technology and have MR products including Microsoft’s HoloLens, Lenovo Explorer, Samsung Odyssey and Acer Windows Mixed Reality.
One industry that can particularly profit from reality technologies is the construction industry. Computer-aided design software (CAD-software) has been used to plan new projects for years, and with the rise of Building Information Modeling all over the world, the uses for reality technologies are numerous.
When it comes to the technology that is most promising to use for construction projects, there is no patent remedy.
Depending on the size and orientation of your business, different reality technologies might fit your needs best. You need a solid understanding of the differences between Virtual, Augmented, and Mixed Reality to know which of these three you should go for. And as a picture is worth a thousand words, we made a diagram explaining what is MR and what is the MR differences between VR and AR to outline the core principles
MR FEATURES
We build custom apps to match your design intent and context. Here’s a list of features we typically employ on our projects
IoT systems for near real-time data overlays BIM platform metadata import
Object Attribute Recall
Model transparency adjustment
CSV project data import
Plane-Based Real-World Alignment
Offline demo mode with canned data
Support for .SKP, .RVT, .DWG, .DXF, .IFC, .DGN. and more
Pivot-Based Real-World Alignment for fine-tuning model placement
PDF documents and JPEG images for inclusion in MR experience
Cloud Integration
Spatial ToDo Creation for RFI Management
Sequencing tool for phase review and hands-free, 3D step-by-step instructions
Manual and QR Code Login
Measurement (Model to Model, Model to Real-World, and Real-World to Real-World)
Support for model textures
Model Viewer (Tabletop and Immersive)
Remote Collaboration between HoloLens Devices
Support for Multiple Model Overlay
"Connect Menu" Voice Command for Retrieving Menus
Co-located Collaboration between HoloLens Devices
Section Box, Automatic Model Optimization, and Fishbowl Mode to handle any size model
Browsers & Dashboards: Project, Data, Views, To-Dos (RFI Management), Sequencing & Local Files Browser
OUR MIXED REALITY SOLUTIONS
MIXED REALITY APPLICATIONS FOR CONSTRUCTION
Mixed Reality and holographic technology bring the models out of the screen and help users to engage and interact with design data more intuitively. Mixed Reality Application utilizes technology to take your 3D content off the screen and into the real world, providing project stakeholders with enhanced 3D design review, coordination, collaboration, and project management processes.
Technology has become an integral part of construction. Moving forward from 3D models, drones, now the sector is achieving new levels of accuracy and efficiency with mixed reality. By combining digital and physical views, augmented reality is helping construction teams drive more efficiency, accuracy, and overall confidence in their projects. Walkthroughs facilitated by mixed reality headsets provide an extraordinary experience.
Built on the cloud-hosted collaboration platform, MR for HoloLens supports a new way of working with AECO models throughout the building life cycle, from design to demolition.
The new wearable, immersive mixed reality devices are being integrated with software to deliver even more value. Paired with a compliant hard hat, the complete solution can map the physical environment and provide precise alignment of holographic data on the job site.
Suitable for:
- Architects
- Interior Designer
- Contractors
- Engineers
- Project managers
EXPERIENCE WAVE BREAK | MR
Available for free trial in the HoloLens App Store
Contact Us
Have a project you’d like to discuss? Wonder what XR technologies solution will suit you best? Have a question on how we work? Leave a message here – and we’ll get in touch!