IrisVR specialises in creating virtual reality (VR) software which allows the building industry to visualise their 3D designs with true to scale walkthroughs, improving design workflows for architects, engineers and construction professionals. The app is called Prospect and it supports HTC Vive, Oculus Rift and Windows Mixed Reality headsets. The company will soon be expanding that support to Oculus Quest, giving users wireless all-in-one freedom for the first time.
Prospect is all about streamlining workflows to improve efficiency on construction projects, helping minimise rework costs and project delays. Clients are able to walk through their 3D models created from a number of different file formats including Revit, Navisworks, SketchUp and Rhino, all in 1:1 scale at any time, and soon thanks to Oculus Quest, anywhere.
The software can’t be used directly with Quest, instead, users will need a Windows PC with Prospect installed to generate an IrisVR experience which can then be synced to the standalone headset. The reason being that due to the Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 processor inside the headset only small files are supported. “The factors that contribute to performance include the size of textures, the complexity of the geometry, and the number of individual elements in the scene,” notes IrisVR. “With each release, we’ll continue to improve our optimization engine.”
Compatible smaller files can be loaded onto Oculus Quest and then taken out onto site putting subcontractors into the model early and often – so installation gets done right the first time (catching possible dangerous or costly errors that aren’t always noticeable using traditional 2D and 3D QA/QC methods).
And Prospect isn’t just about viewing models, thanks to the Multiuser function companies using multiple headsets can hold meetings in VR. Up to 12 individuals are able to join from anywhere in the world and experience a walkthrough of the same model together.
Oculus Quest is launching on 21st May with pre-orders already available. IrisVR hasn’t yet confirmed when Prospect will be compatible with the headset. Additionally, for enterprise use cases, Quest will be available via Oculus for Business. As further details are revealed, VRFocus will keep you updated.