New tools work with the HTC Vive and Microsoft HoloLens to experience BIM objects in a virtual context
BIMobject has developed two new tools that give building product manufacturers the opportunity to bring their products to life in Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality.
BIMobject VR and BIMobject AR connect to the BIMobject Cloud, which contains a vast catalogue of digital objects, so-called BIM objects, that have been created by manufacturers and used by architects, engineers or builders.
BIMobject VR provides a fully immersive version of a building project, when using an HTC Vive. Once immersed in the game engine experience, users can interact with the digital building products in real-time and modify aspects of interest as they go, adding and rearranging objects or changing surface materials.
BIMobject says its VR app can be used for educational purposes, sales configurations, marketing, and online collaboration to facilitate product and material selection – adding that the it gives customers a better understanding of the possibilities regarding those selections and helps builders sell projects earlier in the process. The software includes on-site user support and custom developments to provide each company with individualised sets of components and features.
BIMobject AR lets users integrate digital products in an actual, real-life setting through Microsoft HoloLens glasses. Users are able virtually to furnish an empty space with digital products from the BIMobject Cloud.
According to the developers, the software 3D scans the space and the resulting 3D-mesh is interpreted intelligently. The floors, walls and ceilings are maintained, but any unwanted obstacles present in the real-life environment are removed. Digital items such as kitchen interiors, furniture or HVAC-equipment can be placed virtually in the actual space.
The intelligent process employs built-in logic to determine whether a specific BIM object is to be placed on the floor or mounted on a wall. Through voice commands and hand gestures, the products are selected and configured in 1:1 scale. Multiple people can view the same configuration and freely walk around to explore the proposed digital result.
BIMobject AR is designed to help users get involved quickly in the product sourcing process, but also enables further application for purposes such as training and examining or for assisting subcontractors with installation instructions. BIMobject will also give the option of renting the technology and manpower to drive the solution at exhibitions or other events.
“This is a new era for digital reality. With all the information and assets we have in the Cloud, our AR solution will be easier to manage and faster to deploy than similar solutions,” Dr. Marek Kozlak, Product Evangelist for AR and VR at BIMobject. “It will also be a lot more accurate, both in 3D and in the detailed information of the object properties. This is the first version of BIMobject AR. We will continue to refine it and develop new ways to connect all the dots faster and more efficiently.”
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