Web VR

Emily Hobby

NIST SURF Research Associate, Summer 2017

Agenda

• Making 3D models interactive in webVR
• Information about scientific instruments and laboratory (or other non-public) spaces
• Taking advantage of Web infrastructure for 3D graphics

Background

• Virtual reality
  • An immersive 3D experience
  • The user can interact and explore this environment
• WebVR
  • Virtual reality in a Web browser
  • Can be used with Google Cardboard, GearVR, Oculus, and Vive on MS Windows; MacOS; Linux; iOS; Android and so on

Scanning Tunneling Microscope

Access to Information

Allows user to have hands-on interactions, set their own preferences, and explore the microscope in virtual reality

Preferences and Raycasting

Part Selection and Inspection

Designing with VR in mind

• Heads Up Display for showing information
• Menu visible and changeable in VR
• Joystick control, in hands, for easy navigation

STM Demo

Use with Different Hardware

• Traditional VR requires different versions to work with different hardware
  
• The STM model can be used in browser and Oculus, without having to use 2 different versions
  

How does this help?

• For researchers and scientists to become familiar with delicate equipment
• For facilities to monitor equipment
• For the public to explore a scientific model

NIST Library: 360 degree walkthrough

360 Video Authoring Process

• Take videos at different locations around the library using Samsung GearVR 360 camera
• Stitched together using Samsung ActionDirector camera
• Had to be a camera capable of taking 360 degreesx360 degrees

Walk-through of Real Spaces

• Explore in a space not typically accessible to the public
• Video portion made with an hour in the space
• Information can be location-based

Conclusion

• VR is a new way to represent data and information
• WebVR improves ease of access
• Models and walk-throughs in browser lets hands on exploration and location-based information feasible

Thank Yous and Questions

Thank you to the SURF program and my mentor Sandy Ressler for the experience and guidence