- Created by Brendan Miller, last modified by Deborah L Degezelle on Jul 21, 2018
Description
Virtual reality technologies completely immerse a user inside a synthetic environment, where a user
can no longer see the real world around him or her. In contrast Augmented Reality technology
superimposes virtual objects upon the real world, therefore supplementing reality rather than
replacing it. These technologies combine the real and virtual, by overlaying 3D objects that are
interactive in real time. Currently, this is mainly achieved by using headsets such as Oculus Rift and by
using smart phones. The most common AR technology is optical see through head mounted display,
with startups and initiatives from google glass and oculus Rift. More collaborative technologies rely on
projector displays that augment the surfaces in a collaborative environment, where users are
unencumbered can see each other eyes and are guaranteed to see the same augmentation.
Moreover, despite the focus on blending real and virtual images and graphics, AR applications extend
to other senses including sound and haptics. A user can wear headphones that would add synthetic,
directional 3-D sound, while masking real sounds. Moreover, gloves with devises that provide tactile
feedback might augment real forces in the environment such that a user can feel the surface of a desk.
Potential Applications to construction
Augmented Reality presents the possibility of walking to a construction site and being able to walk
around different areas to see what the final product will look like. It allows an engineer to see what
the empty space will look like, and understand how an asset will connect with its surroundings. It
allows for clients to interact with their building prior to construction and give feedback on design
before the process even begins. These technologies enable architects to show clients and contractors
their plans in fully immersive environments, allowing them to convey a more accurate depiction of the
initial vision and design. In addition, construction staff can wear smart helmets to help them better
understand complex building plans, and large equipment can be driven remotely by off-site users to
plumb-align building materials in real time.
- Stakeholder visualization using 2D or 3D models.
- 4D field driven project planning: The 3D construction sequencing model is overlaid against the real-world site environment so the construction sequence can be checked and verified on site.
- Safety viewer: Specific safety or hazards can be augmented over the real-world site environment using 3D pop-up icons
- Project Technical Requests viewer: Non-conformance or requests for information (RFIs) can be augmented over the real-world site environment using 3D pop-up icons.
- Drawing access: 2D/3D virtual blueprints accessed on site.
- Systems training/Operations and Maintenance: Systems operations and maintenance information overlaid over the installed equipment on site to facilitate familiarization of systems during handover and operations & maintenance.
Benefits and barriers
- Easier to collaborate more quickly and effectively
- Contractors and PMS to make more timely and informed decisions – designers and contractors can better visualize how different design scenarios change the look of a building while also allowing them to consider costs and time constraints.
- https://www.technologyreview.com/s/602124/augmented-reality-could-speed-up-construction-projects/
Other Industries
Training Competency, game
Related Technologies
News and References
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Properties
| Summary | Virtual reality technologies completely immerse a user inside a synthetic environment, where a user can no longer see the real world around them. |
|---|---|
| Incremental or Game Changing | IN |
| Learn | |
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| Pilot | |
| Use |
