Collaborative VR Platform for 3D Point Cloud Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current point cloud data sharing systems and online meeting tools are inadequate for effectively collaborating on large-scale 3D scanning projects, as they typically represent data in two-dimensional formats, limiting the ability for remote, interactive discussions of complex spatial data among geographically dispersed teams.
Innovation Solution
A collaborative virtual reality (VR) online meeting platform that utilizes 3D point cloud data to create a shared virtual space, allowing multiple participants to explore and interact with the scanned environment in real-time, with avatars representing participants and updating their positions and annotations synchronously.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If point cloud data is shared using traditional online meeting tools, then data can be accessed remotely, but the data is represented in two-dimensional format which limits effective collaboration on complex spatial data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the viewing experience from two-dimensional screen representation to three-dimensional immersive virtual reality environment. Participants wear VR headsets and interact with point cloud data in a 3D virtual space, preserving all spatial dimensions and enabling intuitive navigation and inspection of scanned environments from multiple angles and perspectives.
2Reliability
If multiple parties meet in person to discuss scanning projects, then comprehensive collaboration is achieved, but travel costs and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the physical meeting environment where participants gather in a shared virtual space represented by the point cloud data. Instead of traveling to a physical location, participants access the virtual replica through VR headsets, achieving the same collaborative outcomes without the associated travel time and costs.
3Device complexity
If point cloud data is displayed in two-dimensional format, then system complexity is reduced, but the ability to inspect complex spatial data is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent renders point cloud data in its native three-dimensional form within a virtual reality environment, allowing participants to navigate and inspect spatial data from any angle. The system maintains relative simplicity by using standard VR headsets and intuitive interaction mechanisms, avoiding the need for complex specialized equipment while dramatically improving spatial inspection capabilities.
Data Source
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AI summary
A collaborative virtual reality (VR) online meeting platform that includes a three-dimensional (3D) point cloud data defining a virtual space, identifiers of a plurality of meeting participants, and meeting data that includes positions in the virtual space of a plurality of avatars that correspond to meeting participants. The system includes a processor that includes instructions to initiate an online meeting of the plurality of meeting participants. The initiating includes providing an address of the 3D point cloud to each of the meeting participants and transmitting a copy of the 3D point cloud data and meeting data to each of the meeting participants. A current location of each of the avatars in the virtual space is communicated to all of the meeting participants.