I've been working after-hours on this idea for a few weeks with a co-worker, developing a presentation to convince Cris that virtual reality and augmented reality should be incorporated in our software. I took a 3D model of an early version of our Bend-Tech Dragon and converted it into the appropriate file format, imported the 3D model to IrisVR (
https://irisvr.com/), and viewed it on an Oculus Rift (
https://www.oculus.com/rift/). I wanted to take something familiar to Cris (the Dragon) and present it to him in virtual reality. I have a few short videos of our experiment here:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?lis...8vDfcpaLKZwJhR
I don't have any mockups of menus or the VR environment itself, but look to Google's Tilt Brush for a rough idea as to how the VR software would function:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TckqNdrdbgk It's incredibly easy to design and manipulate objects in VR, probably moreso than your standard CAD software - you're viewing the project with your innate perception instead of interpreting a 3D object on a 2D monitor. Here's an example of Augmented Reality (AR):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UbE-9xajMGQ I could see this being especially useful when used in junction with Assembly, and the various modules. Imagine seeing how well your rollcage, header, or exhaust will fit in your vehicle before cutting or bending a single part. You can design a handrail and "try it on" to better determine if that style suits you. With a 3D model of an assembly or a part then you would only need an app on your phone to view the object in augmented reality. You wouldn't have to haul a laptop and VR headset to a jobsite.
We've already told everyone in the office about the experiment, so I don't need to post any spoiler alerts for Cris. My coworker and I plan on bringing the Oculus Rift into our new office once everyone is moved in so that everyone can enjoy the official presentation. If it all goes well then you might see a VR module in the future.