How to use a Google Cardboard VR device with BIMx Mobile

[Brieuc Tassel]

Google Cardboard is a virtual reality (VR) platform developed by Google for use with a head mount for a smartphone. The viewer is used by placing a smartphone into the back of it and viewing through the lenses in the front. Check-out our YouTube video on how to use a Google Cardboard with BIMx. Make sure you have the latest BIMx installed on your mobile device (phone only), Google Cardboard v2.0, and follow the instructions below to start enjoying the immersive virtual reality in BIMx.

Requirements

• Latest BIMx Mobile app
• BIMx Hyper-model 
• Google Cardboard v2.0 compatible viewer. The Physical screen-touch button is on the top right side.
• iOS or Android smartphone (tablets excluded). See System Requirements

Interface Elements

The VR mode proposes several icons that will help you navigate through your building in a smooth way.

1. Walking mode
2. Bookmarks (Favorites + Gallery)
3. Home
4. Exit
5. Step back
6. Slow walk
7. Fast walk
8. Very fast walk

 

Workflow

Start

Press the Cardboard icon in the "..." more options menu to open VR mode while in a BIMx 3D view.

Calibration

Find the Settings wheel on the lower center part of the screen. Scan the QR code of the cardboard you are going to use. This will pair and calibrate the cardboard device with BIMx (the QR code is located on the cardboard box).

Cursor usage

Rotate your head to move the blue 3D cursor. It gets bigger (double size) when placed on an item or a menu, at the same time the item or menu will also get bigger, to emphasize that it has been selected.

Access the main menu

• Access the VR mode by pressing the cardboard icon (while in a BIMx 3D view)

• Press the physical button on the top of the cardboard to open the menu interface

• Place the 3D cursor on the desired mode (two options):

  • Walking mode

  • Bookmark (Favorites and Gallery items)

• Press the physical button on the cardboard to validate the selection

• This will activate the desired command

Walking mode

• Press the physical button on the top of the cardboard

• Select the walking mode icon

  • You will now start navigating within your model

• Press the physical button to stop walking

• You are then offered 3 options

  • Walking speed - You can choose from 3 speeds to walk in your model

  • Step back - 2 steps (~1 meter)

  • Exit walking mode

• If you do not select any of these 3 options with the 3D cursor, you can go on with walking (by pressing the 3D cursor anywhere else than the 3 options)

• Pressing the Exit walking mode button will send you back to the main menu

Bookmark menu

• Press the physical button on the top of the cardboard
• Select the Bookmark icon
  • You will now see all your Favorites and Gallery items
• Press the physical button to select an item - The upper left item (Menu icon) will send you back to the "Home" camera view of your model
  • To exit the Bookmark page and go back to your on-going camera view, press the 3D cursor anywhere outside the Bookmark window
• BIMx then teleports you to the 3D location of the item you selected
  
  

Exit

Press the back arrow in the top left corner of the cardboard VR viewer app to exit this mode.

NOTE: You can mirror the contents of the device's screen to an external screen (TV or computer), so you can guide the wearer through the building. On iOS, you can do that by mirroring the picture to an Apple TV, or connect your iPhone to a Mac, and use QuickTime to see the contents. On Android, you need 3rd party apps/devices for this.

[torpedo]

I've used Google Cardboard for Bim presentations for years now.  Ultimately, I've found it to be grainy and limited.  Does anyone know of a more sophisticated headset that works well with BIMx?  I'm ready to bump up.  Thanks.