Virtual Reality Modeling Research Articles

Measurement and Inspection of Photo-Realistic 3-D VR Models.

Recent advancements in virtual reality (VR) may help unlock the full potential offered by 3-D photorealistic models generated using state-of-the-art photogrammetric methods. Using VR to carry out analyses on photogrammetric models has the potential to assist the user in performing basic offline engineering inspection of digital twins-digitized representations of real-world objects and structures. However, for such benefits to materialize, it is necessary to create suitable interactive systems for working with photogrammetric models in VR. To this end, this article presents PhotoTwinVR-an immersive gesture-controlled system for manipulation and inspection of 3-D photogrammetric models of physical objects in VR. An observational study with three domain experts validates the feasibility of the system design for practical use-cases involving offline inspections of pipelines and other 3-D structures.

HoloMentor: A Novel Mixed Reality Surgical Anatomy Curriculum for Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy

Objectives: The disruption to surgical training and medical education caused by the global COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for realistic, reliable, and engaging educational opportunities available outside of the operating theatre and accessible for trainees of all levels. This article presents the design and development of a virtual reality curriculum which simulates the surgical mentorship experience outside of the operating theatre, with a focus on surgical anatomy and surgical decision-making. Method: This was a multi-institutional study between London’s King’s College and Imperial College. The index procedure selected for the module was robotic radical prostatectomy. For each stage of the surgical procedure, subject-matter experts (N = 3) at King’s College London, identified (1) the critical surgical-decision making points, (2) critical anatomical landmarks, and (3) tips and techniques for overcoming intraoperative challenges. Content validity was determined by an independent panel of subject-matter experts (N = 8) at Imperial College, London, using Fleiss’ kappa statistic. The experts’ teaching points were combined with operative footage and illustrative animations, and projected onto a virtual reality headset. The module was piloted to surgical science students (N = 15). Quantitative analysis compared participants’ confidence regarding their anatomical knowledge before and after taking the module. Qualitative data were gathered from students regarding their views on using the virtual reality model. Results: Multi-rater agreement between experts was above the 70.0% threshold for all steps of the procedure. Seventy-three percentage of pilot study participants “agreed” or “strongly agreed” that they achieved a better understanding of surgical anatomy and the rationale behind each procedural step. This was reflected in an increase in the median knowledge score after trialing the curriculum (p < 0.001). 100% of subject-matter experts and 93.3% of participants “agreed” or “strongly agreed” that virtual mentorship would be useful for future surgical training. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that virtual surgical mentorship could be a feasible and cost-effective alternative to traditional training methods with the potential to improve technical skills, such as operative proficiency and nontechnical skills such as decision-making and situational judgement.

Enhanced 3D visualization for planning biventricular repair of double outlet right ventricle: a pilot study on the advantages of virtual reality.

We aim to determine any additional benefit of virtual reality (VR) experience if compared to conventional cross-sectional imaging and standard three-dimensional (3D) modelling when deciding on surgical strategy in patients with complex double outlet right ventricle (DORV). We retrospectively selected 10 consecutive patients with DORV and complex interventricular communications, who underwent biventricular repair. An arterial switch operation (ASO) was part of the repair in three of those. Computed tomography (CT) or cardiac magnetic resonance imaging images were used to reconstruct patient-specific 3D anatomies, which were then presented using different visualization modalities: 3D pdf, 3D printed models, and VR models. Two experienced paediatric cardiac surgeons, blinded to repair performed, reviewed each case evaluating the suitability of repair following assessment of each visualization modalities. In addition, they had to identify those who had ASO as part of the procedure. Answers of the two surgeons were compared to the actual operations performed. There was no mortality during the follow-up (mean = 2.5 years). Two patients required reoperations. After review of CT/cardiac magnetic resonance images, the evaluators identified the surgical strategy in accordance with the actual surgical plan in 75% of the cases. When using 3D pdf this reached only 70%. Accordance improved to 85% after revision of 3D printed models and to 95% after VR. Use of 3D printed models and VR facilitated the identification of patients who required ASO. Virtual reality can enhance understanding of suitability for biventricular repair in patients with complex DORV if compared to cross-sectional images and other 3D modelling techniques.

Move your virtual body: differences and similarities in brain activation patterns during hand movements in real world and virtual reality

Virtual reality (VR) is a promising tool for neurological rehabilitation, especially for motor rehabilitation. In the present study, we investigate whether brain activation patterns that are evoked by active movements are comparable when these movements are carried out in reality and in VR. Therefore, 40 healthy adults (20 men, mean age 25.31 years) performed hand movements and viewed these movements in a first-person view in reality, a VR scene showing realistic virtual hands, and a VR scene showing abstract virtual hands, in a randomized order. The VR conditions were presented via an immersive 3D head-mounted display system. EEG activity was assessed over the hand motor areas during and after movement execution. All three conditions led to typical EEG activation patterns over the motor cortex. Hence, brain activation patterns were largely comparable between conditions. However, the VR conditions, especially the abstract VR condition, led to a weaker hemispheric lateralization effect compared to the real-world condition. This indicates that hand models in VR should be realistic to be able to evoke activation patterns in the motor cortex comparable to real-world scenarios.

93EMF Understanding the Relationship Between the Emergency Department Built Environment and Physician Burnout Through High Fidelity Virtual Reality Modeling

93EMF Understanding the Relationship Between the Emergency Department Built Environment and Physician Burnout Through High Fidelity Virtual Reality Modeling

Combining virtual reality and 3D-printed models to simulate patient-specific dental operative procedures-A study exploring student perceptions.

Students face a number of challenges in translating the skills acquired in pre-clinical simulation environments to the delivery of real patient care. These are particularly emphasised for complex operative procedures such as tooth preparations for indirect restorations. This paper reports student perceptions of a novel approach designed to improving student confidence when undertaking operative procedures on patients for the first time, by providing patient-specific simulation using virtual reality (VR) and 3D-printed models of the student's real clinical case. Students practised on patient-specific models, in the presence of a clinical tutor, firstly using VR simulation then with 3D-printed models in a clinical skills laboratory. The students then carried out the operative procedure on their patients, on the third occasion of practice. After providing the treatment for their patients, students attended a semi-structured interview to discuss their experiences. The qualitative data were analysed using two forms of inductive analysis. Students most frequently cited: the value of the educator, increased confidence and efficiency during the clinical procedure, improved patient confidence and the complementary benefits of the two simulation modalities. Thematic analysis of participants' responses uncovered five key themes: The value of virtual reality dental simulators The value of clinical skills laboratory simulation with 3D-printed models The value of educator engagement The impact on the clinical procedure and the patient The VR and clinical skills laboratory balance CONCLUSION: This paper reports the early findings of an intervention that improves dental student confidence through the use of patient-specific VR exercises and 3D-printed models. These provided an incremental learning experience for an operative clinical procedure, prior to treatment of the live patient. Early results suggest this is a positive experience for the students, providing a valuable contribution to their confidence and preparedness.

Virtual Reality Application on Road Markings’ Visibility Analysis

The most important function of road markings is to guide road users; therefore, their visibility, in relation to retroreflectivity (RL), plays an essential role in the markings’ performance at nighttime. Researchers have applied field experiments to determine the minimum acceptable levels of markings’ RL. However, field studies usually involve a large investment of time, personnel, space, and budget. This paper presents a preliminary study that adopted virtual reality (VR) techniques to establish an immersive driving environment for the RL analysis of yellow markings. The objective is to evaluate the minimum required marking visibility for road users, especially senior drivers, while driving at nighttime. The brightness feature created in the VR model does not simulate the optical behavior of markings’ glass beads, but it simulates the marking’s visibility in relation to detection distance at each test drive. This is an alternative method to correlate the field RL and the VR simulation model through the equivalent detection distances that were recorded by the observers who participated in both field and VR driving tests. The relationship between the field markings’ RL, 80 to 130 mcd/m2/lx, and simulated markings’ brightness was successfully established with its limitations of RL between 80 and 130 mcd/m2/lx. Three age clusters are involved in this study, namely 20–30, 40–50, and 60+ years old, with 30 people in each cluster. The simulation study found that the driver’s behavior in relation to reaction time is highly related to age cluster but not driving speed or RL. The average reaction times for the three age clusters are 0.438 s, 0.499 s, and 0.522 s, respectively. However, the perception reaction time 2.5 s was considered while calculating the required RL for markings. Results found that the minimum required yellow markings’ RL increases with driving speed, and it requires 80 mcd/m2/lx for 50 km/h and 130 mcd/m2/lx for 65 km/h to satisfy the 85 percentiles of the driving population in Taiwan.

V05-02 3-DIMENSIONAL VIRTUAL REALITY MODELING FOR PERCUTANEOUS NEPHROLITHOTOMY

You have accessJournal of UrologyUrolithiasis & Endourology (V05)1 Sep 2021V05-02 3-DIMENSIONAL VIRTUAL REALITY MODELING FOR PERCUTANEOUS NEPHROLITHOTOMY Brooke Moore, Christine Van Horn, and Igor Sorokin Brooke MooreBrooke Moore More articles by this author , Christine Van HornChristine Van Horn More articles by this author , and Igor SorokinIgor Sorokin More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000002012.02AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Ceevra is a 3-dimensional (3-D) advanced visualization platform that creates virtual models providing surgeons with an improved understanding of a patient’s anatomy. The image can be accessed intraoperatively from a surgeon’s tablet or robotic console. Previously, this platform has been primarily used to assist in pre-operative planning for partial nephrectomies. We aimed to determine whether this technology could be employed pre-operatively to improve percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) access. Further, we sought to determine the patient profile most appropriate for Ceevra. METHODS: Computer generated 3-D models of bilateral kidneys in a single patient were constructed using the Ceevra software taking an existing computed tomography (CT) scan of the abdomen with contrast. The models were then uploaded into the cloud and accessed using the Ceevra application on an iPhone in the operating room. Theoretical access was planned cognitively by integrating the two imaging modalities. Intra-operative retrograde pyelograms were used to delineate collecting system anatomy and compare to the 3D models. RESULTS: The 3-D model revealed a non-hydronephrotic right kidney and severe hydronephrosis on the left side. Arterial anatomy extended up to the segmental arteries. The models proved most useful in the management of the patient’s right-sided stone. On the right, it was challenging to identify the proper access point via retrograde pyelogram. However, the 3-D model clearly reflected a mid-lower pole posterior calyx, thereby providing the surgeon with an improved pre-operative understanding of the patient’s anatomy. On the left, however, there was significant hydronephrosis on CT scan distorting the collecting system anatomy on the 3-D model. The appropriate access calyx on the left side was better identified through retrograde pyelogram. CONCLUSIONS: 3D modeling can prepare surgeons for PCNL by understanding the collecting system anatomy prior to intra-operative pyelogram. The model is most useful in patients without hydronephrosis. It has the potential to limit fluoroscopy times, decrease operative time, planning for complex endourologic procedures, and improved teaching. Future work is needed to validate these potential benefits. Source of Funding: None © 2021 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 206Issue Supplement 3September 2021Page: e386-e386 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2021 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Brooke Moore More articles by this author Christine Van Horn More articles by this author Igor Sorokin More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement Loading ...

Establishment of 3D Virtual Reality Model for Underground Pipeline Combining Hand Position and Shape Tracking Algorithm

With the development of the social economy, data in various fields are increasing exponentially but lacks practical data analysis and mining. In this paper, structural analysis and model simplification is performed on underground pipeline based on the hand position and shape tracking algorithm. The 3D modeling process of the pipeline using virtual reality (VR) is proposed, which has implemented the rapid modeling from 2D to 3D, and finally, rapid modeling and 3D visualization roaming of large-scene urban underground pipeline, providing support for the modeling of urban underground pipeline.

BIM-Enabled Virtual Reality Technology in Construction Industry

Construction 4.0 (a concept of Industry 4.0) is an ongoing transformation that aims at digitalization and automation of traditional construction and industrial practices using modern smart technology. The technological development especially of the construction sector is of utmost importance to meet the requirements of rapid construction projects aiming at quality work, increased productivity, and cost savings. One such technology that has come to the limelight is Virtual Reality (VR), which is a computer-generated smart environment that is artificially created using various types of hardware and software. This smart environment is created to resemble a real-life structure that can be explored, visualized, and interacted with by users using electronic devices for better decisionmaking before actual construction. The purpose of this paper is to design a Virtual Reality model using Building Information Modelling (BIM) and to examine the impact and influence of Virtual Reality Technology in the Indian construction industry with the help of a questionnaire survey. This study provides necessary information for implementing Virtual Reality technology in the construction industry. The results of this study provide a research road map to researchers for their future efforts.

Robotic lobectomy: how to teach thoracic residents.

Robotic thoracic surgery emerged at the beginning of the 21st century and keep presenting the continuous development of its robotic systems, tools, and associated techniques. Strong clinical results including safety and oncological outcomes have fostered the dissemination of the robotic platform all over the world. However, there are still some safety concerns, especially regarding more elaborated procedures as lung resections, during the learning curve. In consequence, training programs for surgeons and surgery residents have been proposed to put into operation a strong and complete curriculum for robotic surgery and increase safety during the learning process. Also, the implementation of the training program makes the process complete and efficient. Lung lobectomies are complex procedures especially because of pulmonary arteries and pulmonary veins dissection, which demands quite accurate skills. Consequently, it is believed that specific training of thoracic surgery residents in robotic lobectomy is capital. The ideal curriculum must include technical content and broad psychomotor training using virtual reality models and also physical and animal models. Valid evaluation methods can be used from the first skill training to daily clinical practice. At the beginning as a console surgeon, the resident must initiate gradually with small procedures and progress to more complex surgeries before performing the whole lobectomy.

Study of comparative surgical exposure to the petroclival region using patient-specific, petroclival meningioma virtual reality models.

Despite advancement of surgical techniques, the attachments of petroclival meningiomas near the central clival depression (CCD) remain difficult to visualize. With existing methods, the amount of tumor near the CCD that is inaccessible through various approaches cannot be compared. Tumors distort the brainstem, changing the size of the operative corridor for some but not all approaches; therefore, using cadavers with normal posterior fossae makes it impossible to compare different approaches to the tumor. The authors used virtual reality (VR) models created from the imaging data of patients to compare various surgical approaches that have otherwise been incomparable in previous studies. CT and MRI data obtained in 15 patients with petroclival meningiomas were used to create anatomically accurate 3D VR models. For each model, various surgical approaches were performed, and the surgical freedom to 6 targets of the regions were measured. Furthermore, portions of the tumor that were visually blocked by the brainstem or bony structures were segmented and recorded as blinded volumes for comparison. The extended retrosigmoid approach generated excellent exposure of the petroclival region, but for most specimens, there was inaccessible tumor volume adjacent to the brainstem (mean 641.3 mm3, SE 161.8). In contrast, the brainstem sides of the tumors were well-visualized by all the transpetrosal approaches. The blinded volume of the tumor was largest for the retrolabyrinthine approach, and this was statistically significant compared with all other approaches (mean 2381.3 mm3, SE 185.4). The authors performed a novel laboratory study by using patient CT and MRI data to generate 3D virtual models to compare surgical approaches. Since it is impossible to perform various approaches in separate surgeries in patients for comparison, VR represents a viable alternative for such comparative investigations.

Randomized study comparing 3D virtual reality and conventional 2D on-screen teaching of cerebrovascular anatomy.

Performing aneurysmal clipping requires years of training to successfully understand the 3D neurovascular anatomy. This training has traditionally been obtained by learning through observation. Currently, with fewer operative aneurysm clippings, stricter work-hour regulations, and increased patient safety concerns, novel teaching methods are required for young neurosurgeons. Virtual-reality (VR) models offer the opportunity to either train a specific surgical skill or prepare for an individual surgery. With this study, the authors aimed to compare the spatial orientation between traditional 2D images and 3D VR models in neurosurgical residents or medical students. Residents and students were each randomly assigned to describe 4 aneurysm cases, which could be either 2D images or 3D VR models. The time to aneurysm detection as well as a spatial anatomical description was assessed via an online questionnaire and compared between the groups. The aneurysm cases were 10 selected patient cases treated at the authors' institution. Overall, the time to aneurysm detection was shorter in the 3D VR model compared to 2D images, with a trend toward statistical significance (25.77 ± 37.26 vs 45.70 ± 51.94 seconds, p = 0.052). No significant difference was observed for residents (3D VR 24.47 ± 40.16 vs 2D 33.52 ± 56.06 seconds, p = 0.564), while in students a significantly shorter time to aneurysm detection was measured using 3D VR models (26.95 ± 35.39 vs 59.16 ± 44.60 seconds, p = 0.015). No significant differences between the modalities for anatomical and descriptive spatial mistakes were observed. Most participants (90%) preferred the 3D VR models for aneurysm detection and description, and only 1 participant (5%) described VR-related side effects such as dizziness or nausea. VR platforms facilitate aneurysm recognition and understanding of its spatial anatomy, which could make them the preferred method compared to 2D images in the years to come.

Microsurgical clipping of middle cerebral artery aneurysms: preoperative planning using virtual reality to reduce procedure time

The authors sought to evaluate the impact of virtual reality (VR) applications for preoperative planning and rehearsal on the total procedure time of microsurgical clipping of middle cerebral artery (MCA) ruptured and unruptured aneurysms compared with standard surgical planning. A retrospective review of 21 patients from 2016 to 2019 was conducted to determine the impact on the procedure time of MCA aneurysm clipping after implementing VR for preoperative planning and rehearsal. The control group consisted of patients whose procedures were planned with standard CTA and DSA scans (n = 11). The VR group consisted of patients whose procedures were planned with a patient-specific 360° VR (360VR) model (n = 10). The 360VR model was rendered using CTA and DSA data when available. Each patient was analyzed and scored with a case complexity (CC) 5-point grading scale accounting for aneurysm size, incorporation of M2 branches, and aspect ratio, with 1 being the least complex and 5 being the most complex. The mean procedure times were compared between the VR group and the control group, as were the mean CC score between the groups. Comorbidities and aneurysm conduction (ruptured vs unruptured) were also taken into consideration for the comparison. The mean CC scores for the control group and VR group were 2.45 ± 1.13 and 2.30 ± 0.48, respectively. CC was not significantly different between the two groups (p = 0.69). The mean procedure time was significantly lower for the VR group compared with the control group (247.80 minutes vs 328.27 minutes; p = 0.0115), particularly for the patients with a CC score of 2 (95% CI, p = 0.0064). A Charlson Comorbidity Index score was also calculated for each group, but no statistical significance was found (VR group, 2.8 vs control group, 1.8, p = 0.14). In this study, usage of 360VR models for planning the craniotomy and rehearsing with various clip sizes and configurations resulted in an 80-minute decrease in procedure time. These findings have suggested the potential of VR technology in improving surgical efficiency for aneurysm clipping procedures regardless of complexity, while making the procedure faster and safer.

Virtual reality and 3D printing improve preoperative visualization of 3D liver reconstructions-results from a preclinical comparison of presentation modalities and user's preference.

BackgroundPreoperative three-dimensional (3D) reconstructions for liver surgery planning have been shown to be effective in reduction of blood loss and operation time. However, the role of the ‘presentation modality’ is not well investigated. We present the first study to compare 3D PDFs, 3D printed models (PR) and virtual reality (VR) 3D models with regard to anatomical orientation and personal preferences in a high volume liver surgery center.MethodsThirty participants, 10 medical students, 10 residents, 5 fellows and 5 hepatopancreatobiliary (HPB) experts, assigned the tumor-bearing segments of 20 different patient’s individual liver reconstructions. Liver models were presented in a random order in all modalities. Time needed to specify the tumor location was recorded. In addition, a score was calculated factoring in correct, wrong and missing segment assignments. Furthermore, standardized test/questionnaires for spatial thinking and seeing, vegetative side effects and usability were completed.ResultsParticipants named significantly more correct segments in VR (P=0.040) or PR (P=0.036) compared to PDF. Tumor assignment was significantly shorter with 3D PR models compared to 3D PDF (P<0.001) or VR application (P<0.001). Regardless of the modality, HPB experts were significantly faster (24±8 vs. 35±11 sec; P=0.014) and more often correct (0.87±0.12 vs. 0.83±0.15; P<0.001) than medical students. Test results for spatial thinking and seeing had no influence on time but on correctness of tumor assignment. Regarding usability and user experience the VR application achieved the highest scores without causing significant vegetative symptoms and was also the most preferred method (n=22, 73.3%) because of the multiple functions like scaling and change of transparency. Ninety percent (n=27) stated that this application can positively influence the operation planning.Conclusions3D PR models and 3D VR models enable a better and partially faster anatomical orientation than reconstructions presented as 3D PDFs. User’s preferred the VR application over the PR models and PDF. A prospective trial is needed to evaluate the different presentation modalities regarding intra- and postoperative outcomes.

Gesture Recognition of Somatosensory Interactive Acupoint Massage Based on Image Feature Deep Learning Model

During rehabilitation, many postoperative patients need to perform autonomous massage on time and on demand. Thus, this paper develops an individualized, intelligent, and independent rehabilitation training system for based on image feature deep learning model acupoint massage that excludes human factors. The system, which innovatively integrates massage gesture recognition with human pose recognition. It relies on the binocular depth camera Kinect DK and Google MediaPipe Holistic pipeline to collect the real-time image feature data on joints and gestures of the patient in autonomous massage. Then the system calculates the coordinates of each finger joint, and computes the human poses with VGG-16, a convolutional neural network (CNN); the calculated results are translated, and presented in a virtual reality (VR) model based on Unity 3D, aiming to guide the patient actions in autonomous massage. This is because the image feature of the gesture recognition and pose recognition is hindered, when the hand or the human is occluded by the body or other things, owing to the limited recognition range of the hardware. The experimental results show that, the proposed system could correctly recognize up to 84% of non-occluded gestures, and up to 93% of non-occluded poses; the system also exhibited a good real-time performance, a high operability, and a low cost. Facing the lack of medical staff, our system can effectively improve the life quality of patients.

DICOM 3D viewers, virtual reality or 3D printing - a pilot usability study for assessing the preference of orthopedic surgeons.

As standard practice in orthopedic surgery, the information gathered by analyzing Computer Tomography (CT) 2D images is used for patient diagnosis and planning surgery. Lately, these virtual slices are the input for generating 3D virtual models using DICOM viewers, facilitating spatial orientation, and diagnosis. Virtual Reality (VR) and 3D printing (3DP) technologies are also reported for use in anatomy visualization, medical training, and diagnosis. However, it has not been yet investigated whether the surgeons consider that the advantages offered by 3DP and VR outweigh their development efforts. Moreover, no comparative evaluation for understanding surgeon's preference in using these investigation tools has been performed so far. Therefore, in this paper, a pilot usability test was conducted for collecting surgeons' opinions. 3D models of knee, hip and foot were displayed using DICOM 3D viewer, two VR environments and as 3D-printed replicas. These tools adequacy for diagnosis was comparatively assessed in three cases scenarios, the time for completing the diagnosis tasks was recorded and questionnaires filled in. The time for preparing the models for VR and 3DP, the resources needed and the associated costs were presented in order to provide surgeons with the whole context. Results showed a preference in using desktop DICOM viewer with 3D capabilities along with the information provided by Unity-based VR solution for visualizing the virtual model from various angles challenging to analyze on the computer screen. 3D-printed replicas were considered more useful for physically simulating the surgery than for diagnosis. For the VR and 3DP models, the lack of information on bone quality was considered an important drawback. The following order of using the tools was preferred: DICOM viewer, followed by Unity VR and 3DP.

Virtual Reality Design and Realization of Interactive Garden Landscape

It is very important to study and explore the application of virtual reality technology in landscape garden design, especially in the current environment of triple network integration and Internet of Things construction, to promote and facilitate the rapid development of digital landscape garden design in China. In this paper, we study the implementation method of virtual landscape gardening system and establish a virtual environment based on the ancient city of Yangcheng. On the computer platform, we study and realize a virtual roaming system of medium complexity with more complete roaming functions. Using the Quest3D software platform, a desktop-type virtual garden simulation system was developed, focusing on the virtual reality modeling technology method and virtual system implementation. The experimental results show that the GPU-accelerated drawing method based on GLSL can significantly improve the drawing frame rate of 3D garden landscape vegetation scenes with a small amount of scene data and has a certain feasibility. Based on the OpenSceneGraph (OSG) graphics rendering engine, the visualization of various types of 3D landscape models is realized, and the spatial layout of various types of landscape with parametric control is realized through digital vector layers, which flexibly manage and organize various garden elements and reasonably organize the spatial topological relationship between various types of landscape in 3D space. By integrating cross-platform ArcGISEngine components, the basic data of garden scenes including terrain data and vector data are managed. Through scene view cropping and hierarchical detail modeling technologies, the drawing efficiency and rendering real time of the garden landscape are improved. It realizes interactive 3D scene browsing and provides a six-degree-of-freedom all-round display of the overall landscape.

Factors influencing elders’ intention to use a housing community: a virtual reality approach extending the theory of planned behaviour

The increased population size of the elderly calls upon researchers to address the consequences of the unparalleled demographic change and construct reassuring communities that would be accepted by the elderly. This research suggests and validates a new research model that investigates theoretical variables positively associated with the elders' behavioural intentions to use a proposed community by extending the theory of planned behaviour. 72 participants in the United Arab Emirates experienced a virtual reality tour of the proposed community and statistical tests were conducted on the data collected from the post-test questionnaires. Among a number of significant results, it was inferred that elders find the proposed community functional regardless of other people's influences and that the overall community functionality is positively correlated with the elder's intention to use the community (F(1,70)=122.527, p<.000) with an R2 of 0.636. Also, mobility in elderly houses is highly associated with elders' attitudes which also was strongly correlated with elders' intention to use the proposed communities (F(1,70)=1175.484, p<.000 with an R2 of 0.944). To increase the rate of elders' adoption of a residential facility, this research, among the first empirical research studies integrating the theory of planned behaviour and Virtual Reality models, provides the needed insights to construction managers and engineers.

Virtual reality as a tool to investigate and predict occupant behaviour in the real world: the example of wayfinding

The use of virtual reality (VR) is expanding within the AEC sectors, commonly in design and pre-construction decision-making, including as a tool to test and predict the behaviours of building occupants. The implicit assumption is the experience of an immersive Virtual Reality Environment is representative of the Real Environment, and understanding this prior to construction reduces the likelihood and significance of design errors. However, there are very few studies that have validated this basic assumption, and even fewer that have made a direct comparison between Virtual and Real building use. One behaviour that influences design is wayfinding, and the acknowledged effect of familiarity with the layout of a building, which is the subject of this study. We produced an accurate immersive VR model of part of an existing University building and asked participating students to complete a wayfinding task in both the Real and VR buildings. The results show a quantitative improvement in the route and time taken to complete the task, but highlight differences in behaviours in each environment, including subtleties of head movement, a tendency to experiment and seek amusement, and a range of responses to the technology from enjoyment to suspicion. Further research is required to explore in more detail the effect of VR technologies on participants’ behaviour, and the limitations and potentials of VR as a decision-making tool beyond the example of wayfinding that we use. In conclusion, we need to adopt a cautious approach when designing by VR and recognise that the results of experiments such as ours should complement design decisions, rather than act as their sole justification.