HEGIAS VR - News from August 8th 2023
Update Version 2023.08.08.209
With the new update, you can easily show and hide individual layers within a scene. The following are some of the main applications for this layer function:
A) Individual sub-models, such as those of the building services, can be examined and discussed separately from the rest of the building.
B) Different variants, e.g. of the architectural model, can be compared with each other and walked through immersively without loading time.
In order to use this new feature optimally, at least two individual files are required within a scene. Say,
You can, for example, upload a file (e.g. IFC) with the architecture and a second file with the interior design (e.g. FBX) (Click here for the corresponding support article)
As soon as you have opened the scene in the VR goggles, you will find the function "Show/Hide Layers" under the three dots at the bottom right of the tablet
All the files that you have previously loaded into this scene are shown there. Now you can show and hide them as you wish
Caching
Loading a scene consists of two parts: Downloading all files and then compiling them. The first step is newly skipped if the same scene has already been opened once on your VR glasses by keeping the files cached locally on the device. This eliminates the need for multiple downloads and the scene loads noticeably faster. However, an internet connection is still required to use the app.
AssetBundles
Secondly, AssetBundles from Unity have been integrated into our HEGIAS app. These AssetBundles are generated for the scenes as well as for the objects and result in the file size being up to ten times smaller, thus reducing the loading time accordingly. As with caching, no AssetBundles are created when the scene is loaded for the first time, but only when the scene is opened at least a second time. Whether the AssetBundles are loaded from caching or not can be clearly seen in the display text in the loading screen. If you do not get any indication that your scene is using AssetBundles, then try "Reprocess" the file in the scene.
Manually add redlinings to the screenshot to define the affected area more precisely. The drawing is done directly on the VR tablet, with the laser pointer of the right controller serving as a marker. To activate the redlining mode, the user only has to click on the new button with the paint/canvas logo. If one wants to start the drawing again from the beginning, the "Undo" button can be used to discard the drawing.
Restriction: Once the newly created issue has been saved, the drawing/markup can no longer be edited afterwards. This is a design-related restriction of the BCF process.
- Fixed: Screenshots of the created BCF Issues are now visible again in the web browser under Issue Management. These were previously not displayed correctly in individual organisations.
Functional Updates
Show & hide different layers in the VR app
With the new update, you can easily show and hide individual layers within a scene. The following are some of the main applications for this layer function:
A) Individual sub-models, such as those of the building services, can be examined and discussed separately from the rest of the building.
B) Different variants, e.g. of the architectural model, can be compared with each other and walked through immersively without loading time.
In order to use this new feature optimally, at least two individual files are required within a scene. Say,
You can, for example, upload a file (e.g. IFC) with the architecture and a second file with the interior design (e.g. FBX) (Click here for the corresponding support article)
As soon as you have opened the scene in the VR goggles, you will find the function "Show/Hide Layers" under the three dots at the bottom right of the tablet
All the files that you have previously loaded into this scene are shown there. Now you can show and hide them as you wish
Optimised loading times by means of Caching & AssetBundles
Caching
Loading a scene consists of two parts: Downloading all files and then compiling them. The first step is newly skipped if the same scene has already been opened once on your VR glasses by keeping the files cached locally on the device. This eliminates the need for multiple downloads and the scene loads noticeably faster. However, an internet connection is still required to use the app.
AssetBundles
Secondly, AssetBundles from Unity have been integrated into our HEGIAS app. These AssetBundles are generated for the scenes as well as for the objects and result in the file size being up to ten times smaller, thus reducing the loading time accordingly. As with caching, no AssetBundles are created when the scene is loaded for the first time, but only when the scene is opened at least a second time. Whether the AssetBundles are loaded from caching or not can be clearly seen in the display text in the loading screen. If you do not get any indication that your scene is using AssetBundles, then try "Reprocess" the file in the scene.
Add Redlining to BCF Issues
Manually add redlinings to the screenshot to define the affected area more precisely. The drawing is done directly on the VR tablet, with the laser pointer of the right controller serving as a marker. To activate the redlining mode, the user only has to click on the new button with the paint/canvas logo. If one wants to start the drawing again from the beginning, the "Undo" button can be used to discard the drawing.
Restriction: Once the newly created issue has been saved, the drawing/markup can no longer be edited afterwards. This is a design-related restriction of the BCF process.
Bugfixes & Improvements
- Fixed: Screenshots of the created BCF Issues are now visible again in the web browser under Issue Management. These were previously not displayed correctly in individual organisations.
Updated on: 18/09/2023
Thank you!