Mechdyne and TheoremXR

Automated CAD to Immersive Virtual Reality Viewing Using any VR Display

Topics:
Picture of Kevin Levy
Written by Kevin Levy
Posted on 25 Mar 2024
3 mins

Automated CAD to Immersive Virtual Reality Viewing, Using Any VR Display, enabled By Mechdyne’s getReal3D for Unity Plugin and TheoremXR

Seamless Workflow from Desktop to Large-Scale VR Including Immersive, Interactive Capabilities for Faster Design Reviews and Decision Making

Marshalltown, IA (March 20, 2024) – Virtual reality (VR) has proven its value, over decades, as an effective tool for organizations to gain new insights on complex 3D data. But not all 3D data is readily compatible with virtual reality displays, that can range from head-worn devices, to video walls, to room-scale immersive and interactive displays like CAVEs. Some CAD applications can be viewed quickly in head-mounted displays, but presenting models in larger-scale, collaborative environments requires conversion to VR-compatible programs. Not all organizations have software expertise for conversion work.

Mechdyne and Theorem Solutions have delivered an automated pipeline solution that enables any CAD engineer to easily transition models from desktop to high performance extended reality (Hi-Per XR) environments.

TheoremXR automatically prepares and optimizes data quickly and efficiently using pre-defined configurations, processing (part file) geometry, product structures, and metadata, including animation data. Users may explore the models in XR using Theorem’s Visualization Experience, which can be viewed in leading HMD. TheoremXR integrates with Mechdyne’s getReal3D for Unity plug-in to expand support for Hi-PerXR displays by adding:

  • Support for large VR displays that:
    • allow users to view data at full scale.
    • allow teams to share a collaborative workspace in person, not as avatars.
    • allow working for longer amounts of time, increasing productivity and decreasing motion sickness (compared to many head worn devices).
  • Motion tracking and spatial interaction technologies, enabling faster review of data with intuitive motions and navigation.
  • Support for multi-GPU, clustered graphics computers that enable scaling to virtually any size or configuration of display and image resolution.
  • Real-time connection of local displays to one or more remote participants using any display.

“Bringing together remote teams, getReal3D can also connect multiple display types in real time, across the planet, for powerful collaborative work sessions.” said Chris Scharver, Senior Software Solutions Architect and Co-developer of getReal3D. “An immersive, virtual reality CAVE can share imagery with VR video walls, and head-mounted VR displays for shared work sessions in real time.” This capability is especially useful when subject matter experts or stakeholders are in different offices or traveling.

TheoremXR enables users to work seamlessly in a multi-format environment with source 3D design data, whether it’s from MCAD, AEC CAD, Scanned data, ISO/ANSI standards-based formats such as STEP or JT, lightweight visualization formats such as 3D XML or Creo view, and neutral formats such as FBX or glTF. The software can be installed on-premise or in the cloud, extending the value of existing design assets across a multitude of engineering and manufacturing focused use cases. getReal3D is installed locally, on the master graphics workstation driving the display device(s).

“It has been a pleasure partnering with the Mechdyne team to provide a best-in-class XR pipeline solution. The seamless integration of TheoremXR’s automated 3D data processing and Mechdyne’s proven VR immersive technology, provides a simple-to-use solution with vast potential for widescale adoption.” said Richard Scales, Commercial Director.

This new CAD to XR pipeline is being integrated into a custom, immersive virtual reality environment at a leading university in the United Kingdom. Installations in North America are also scheduled. More on these projects will be announced as clients allow.

About Mechdyne

Mechdyne Corporation is a broad-based technology partner specializing in high-performance extended reality (Hi-PerXR), managed technology services (IT and AV), visualization and software solutions, and embedded support services for design, content development, and complex data visualization projects. Headquartered in Marshalltown, Iowa, Mechdyne serves a global client base that includes leading government laboratories, university and research centers, energy, aerospace, manufacturing, and medical organizations, as well as any other user of advanced technology. https://www.mechdyne.com/av-vr-solutions

About Theorem Solutions

Theorem Solutions enables engineering and manufacturing companies to extend the use of their 3D design data in the latest innovative and emerging technologies. Established in 1991, and headquartered Staffordshire, UK, with further offices in Michigan, USA. Theorem provides specialist tools for CAD Translation, Interactive Documentation (3D PDF) and Full Scale Immersive XR Visualization and Collaboration (Augmented, Mixed and Virtual Reality), ensuring that we deliver support to meet the needs of engineering today and for the future. For more information, please visit www.theorem.com