Depending on your planning software there are various ways to integrate XR-EASY into your workflow. If treated as an individual software, a file exported from the planning software can be easily converted into a XVR file, our native file format.

There is also the possibility to implement a direct export from a planning software to XR-EASY.

Refer to our contact options for more information on the implementation and suported file formats!

Charge VR headset regularly!

The VR headset is charged via the USB-C port with the included charging cable and power plug. Please schedule regular charging in advance to ensure an uninterrupted VR experience.

Since the charging options, especially for controllers, differ depending on the manufacturer, we hereby refer to our own extended knowledge base. We have categorized the headset types and implemented our own manuals. There you will also find links to the manufacturers’ manuals or websites.

When purchased from our hardware partner, the VR headset is delivered ready-to-use with preconfigured software in so-called kiosk mode. If bought separately, the installation and configuration instructions from the headset’s manufactorer should be followed. We also refer here to our own extended knowledge base. We have categorized the headset types and implemented some own instructions. You will also find links to the manufacturer’s manuals or websites.

First, buyers must familiarize themselves with the devices – VR headset and controller – and how they work. The interpupillary distance for the headset’s lenses should be set up correctly as soon as possible to avoid any illments.

Likewise, fitting the headset to the user’s own head proportions is of uttermost importance.

• When putting on the VR headset, first put it on the front, pull the strap over the head and fasten it
• Then tighten the headband properly

Requirements

• • Stable internet network connection between PC of the planning software (LAN/WiFi) and VR headset (WiFi)
  • WiFi network password for connecting the VR headset for the first time
  • VR headset and VR controller are loaded (comparable to smartphone or tablet)

A virtual reality (VR) session is the virtual space into which the plan file is loaded. This virtual space becomes a coop session via a rented cloud network where multiple participants can meet through their internet connection. In general, any computer with a Windows operating system and an internet connection can join such a coop session.

⇒ For more information go to Starting a VR session

Desktop mode refers to the use of XR-EASY on a standard Windows computer without VR headset. This mode differs fundamentally in action possibilities, options, and purpose from using XR-EASY with a VR headset. Desktop mode is primarily used to prepare sessions and host the VR session (with a stable internet connection). If only one person is in the VR headset, this session can be accompanied via the desktop. However, the professional will also notice planning errors on the desktop.

⇒ For more information go to Desktop Mode

The “play area” defines the boundaries within which users of the VR headset can move freely. Outside these boundaries, the black-and-white image of the outdoor cameras is displayed.
When leaving the play area, they will therefore see the real environment, which should prevent collisions with obstacles (walls, furniture, stairs) and thus injuries.

While there may be differences in the setup process, most VR headset software demands the user to configure the play area by chosing between two modes:

• A custom mode in which the user defines the play area according to his/her surroundings
• A quick mode which simply draws a circle around the user’s position

Please refer to the headset’s manual or online content for a step-by-step guide on how to configure your play area. A general instruction can be found below:

• The play area setup is automatically initiated if the environment is not recognized
• In this case, you can simply follow the instructions in the VR headset

After chosing for the prefered mode, continue as follows:

Custom mode

• the play area is drawn manually
• obstacles and spacings can be taken into account
• collisions are better avoided
• therefore: RECOMMENDED for most cases

Quick mode

• allows a quick setup “on the spot”
• therefore: only suitable for stationary applications

Resetting the play area is a common feature and as such usually located in a quick settings menu. For more information, please refer to the headset’s manual or online content.
 
Meta Quest Guardian
VIVE play area

The WiFi/WLAN network is set up during the initial VR headset configuration.
 
Setting up a new WiFi network is a common feature and as such usually located in a quick settings menu. For more information, please refer to the headset’s manual or online content.
 
Meta Quest WiFi setup

It is simple to export your personal design to XR-EASY. Our software converts the file and then loads it into a VR session.

• In your planning software, export your desired files to an OBJ or FBX file format
• Save the new file on any desired location

To load the file and create a VR (coop) session, please follow the instructions on subsequent entries in the “Desktop Mode” chapter:
 
⇒ “How can I start XR-EASY manually?”
⇒ “How can I load a file manually?”
⇒ “How can I host a coop session?”

• XR-EASY automatically detects if a session is running on the network
• This session can be joined by clicking “Yes” with the TRIGGER button

• The file is automatically transferred (1) and loaded into the session (2)
• Click Next (3) to start the coop session for the user

Initial position

Once a VR user enters the session, they are automatically placed at the center of the model.

To change the start position, the teleport points function must be used.

XR-EASY can also be used as a general VR tool. All that is required is a CAD file in OBJ or FBX format (or other formats – for more information, refer directly to our support). This file can be loaded manually into XR-EASY and is automatically converted into our XVR format.

The following entries describe the process for starting XR-EASY manually and loading files in detail:

⇒ “How can I start XR-EASY manually?”

⇒ “How can I load a file manually?”

⇒ “How can I host a coop session?”

The main menu and the hand menu are used to select functions and settings. The functions and menus in VR can be controlled using three different gestures.

Pinch and Point gesture

• Execute the PINCH gesture by pressing the TRIGGER button
  • Used for confirming requests and actions
  • Depending on the action, the PINCH gesture must be held for some time
• Execute the POINT gesture by pressing and holding the GRASP button
  • Used for handling the HAND MENU

Hand menu

• Call up the hand menu by turning the left controller (looking at the palm of the hand)
  • Activation of menu subitems is performed by touching the fingertip of the right hand in the POINT gesture

Main menu

• The main menu is active when entering a session
  • Interaction with main menu and menu subitems by interaction beam and PINCH gesture
  • Interaction is possible with both hands
  • Show/hide the main menu option via HAND MENU ➔ POINT gesture

If the play area is large enough, the user can move freely within the VR session. For larger distances and small (or quick mode) play areas, the teleport and teleport points functions are useful.

By default, the teleport function is active. If teleport points are set up by the host, the teleport points function becomes active and the teleport function is deactivated.

More information about both options can be found in the following entries.

Teleport

The teleport function allows the user to freely reposition in the VR session.

• Select teleport (HAND MENU → POINT gesture)
• A sphere and beam appear in the right hand
• At the beam’s end, the new position is highlighted as a circle on the floor
• Moving the right hand controls the target position
• Hold the PINCH gesture to initiate teleport action

Teleport Points

The Teleport Point function allows for restricted user repositioning in the VR session.

• Select Teleport (HAND MENU ➔ POINT gesture)
• Hand menu switches to the “Teleport Points” submenu
• The points set before and after the current position are displayed
• Select the desired point on the submenu with the POINT gesture
• Click Return to return to the hand menu

• By moving on in one direction, all defined positions can be navigated to
• Viewing direction is determined by the teleport points setup

Files that are stored on the headset can also be loaded manually into a session. However, this does not work in coop mode. If the user is already in a coop session, the session will be exited when a new file is loaded.

⇒ To manually load a coop session, go to “Can I join a coop session manually?”

Manually load file

• Click on Import ➔ Search opens the file browser(1)
• Select desired file in the file browser (2)
• Click on Select (3) ➔ Load (4)
• File is loaded into VR session

It is possible for the user to manually connect to a running coop session. This is necessary, for example, if the host and user are not on the same network.

• Click on the coop icon (1) ➔ Session ID (2) ➔ keyboard appears
• Enter the session ID as usual via PINCH gesture on keyboard (3)
• Click on Start connects to coop session (4)

In the Settings menu, you can switch between English and German. Furthermore, data collection tools can be switched on and off here.

The active session ID can be looked up via a tooltip when the interaction beam is hovered over the blue cloud.

All participants of a Coop session can communicate with each other using the session-internal voice transmission.

• The voice transmission is (de-)activated via the microphone button

The session can be left via the logout button after confirmation.

• Open XR-EASY directory ➔ Launch XR-EASY.exe application

• XR-EASY starts ➔ User enters start screen

The user has no restrictions when moving around in the VR space while in desktop mode. Moving around in desktop mode is done with keyboard and mouse.

Within XR-EASY, the keyboard control can be viewed under Settings ➔ Control.

⇒ “What can be configured in the settings?”

General settings can be configured and information can be obtained in the menu:

To load a file manually, please proceed as follows:

• Click on Import ➔ Search opens the file browser (1)
• Select the desired file in the file browser (2)
• Click on Select (2) ➔ Load (3)
• File is loaded into the session (4)

The user can also manually connect to a running coop session:

• Click on Coop
• The displayed user name can be changed in the User Name field (2)
• Enter the five-digit code in the Session ID field (3)
• Click on Start to connect to the coop session

• Click on Coop ➔ Create (1)
• The displayed user name can be changed in the User Name field (2)
• Click on Start to create the coop session

After creating a session, the session ID can be looked up on the pop-up window (1) and in general by hovering over the cloud (2):

With a left click on the cloud, the session ID is automatically copied to the clipboard and can be pasted as usual via CTRL+V.

The session can be saved in desktop mode. This saves placed teleport points and changes of the model position by the Move All function.

• Click on Tools ➔ Next

All participants of a coop session can communicate with each other using the session-internal voice transmission.

• The voice transmission is (de-)activated via the microphone button

The desired audio input (microphone) can be selected via Settings ➔ Audio

Advanced settings can be configured in the settings windows in desktop mode:

• General(1):
  • Language: German [GER]; English [ENG]
  • Data collection:
    • Usage data: Enable collection of usage data used to improve the software.
    • Crash reports: Enable collection of crash and error reports.
• Audio (2):
  • Select audio input (microphone)
• Import (3):
  • Adjust vertical axis (up-axis) for convertible file formats
• Control(4):
  • Listing of movement controls and key combinations

Teleport points are fixed positions in the model between which VR users teleport. This restricts VR users in their freedom of movement, and thus gives the host the ability to determine which spots in the model are relevant.

Starting position

When entering the session, the VR user is automatically positioned at the first teleport point.

If no teleport points were set by the host, the center of the model is defined as the starting position.

Start setup

• Menu for setting up teleport points: Tools (1) ➔ Positions (2)
• Click on Edit (3) ➔ Setup starts

Finish setup

Once position and viewing angle of the teleport points have been configured, the changes can be accepted or rejected via the window at the bottom:

Teleport points are created, deleted and set in the setup mode.

Create teleport point

• Left click on a plane
• Teleport point is added

Delete teleport point

• Click on red disk (1)
• Teleport point is deleted (2)

Move teleport point

• Keep lower blue disk clicked (left mouse button)
• Move with mouse, releasing mouse button locks point in place

Change viewing angle

• Keep upper blue disk clicked (left mouse button) (1)
• Move with mouse, direction indicator rotates around teleport point (2)
• Releasing mouse button locks direction indicator in place

Verify perspective

• Click on the direction indicator (1)
• Screen view moves to point perspective (2)
• Camera can still be controlled as before

List of all teleport points

• Finish setup / accept changes shows list of all set points
• Customize name: Select name to be customized ➔ Enter new name (1)
• Delete point: Click X next to name (1)
• Clicking Edit shows the new names above each point (2)

There are generally no restrictions on participating in a coop session as long as certain requirements are met.

More information can be found in the following sections:

⇒ Participation in VR: “Can I join a coop session in VR manually?”
⇒ Participation in Desktop Mode: “How can I join a coop session?”

XVR file on desktop

XR-EASY creates an XVR file when exporting a model from the planning software under the following file path:

“*\XR-EASY 3.x.x\3D Models\name-of-offer\name-of-offer.xvr”

The file can be copied and shared with other participants.

Subsequently, the shared XVR file must either be placed in the “*\XR-EASY 3.x.x\3D Models” folder, or alternatively selected manually when joining the coop session.

XVR file on VR headset

The file must be loaded onto the VR headset before joining the coop session:

1. Turn on VR headset
2. Connect the headset to the computer with the USB (charging) cable
3. PICO: Access is granted automatically
   Quest: Approve/enable the computer’s access in the headset
4. Place the file at the following file path:
   “*\Pico Neo 3 Pro\Internal shared storage\Android\data\com.R3DT.XREASY\files\3D Models“

Now the coop session can be joined manually.

The file not being loaded after an established connection to the VR session can be caused by various factors. A distinction should be made between three cases:

1. The file transfer remains at 0% or stops halfway through.
2. The loading process is aborted.
3. An error message appears.

First case:

The automatic file transfer only works if the VR headset and the PC with the planning software are in the same network.

If a very large model is loaded, it may take several minutes before the file is transferred. This could result in the first case, and it should be waited to see if it is due to the increased loading time.

First or second case:

If the loading indicator still shows 0% even after several minutes, or if the loading process stops, another cause can be assumed:

• Putting down the VR headset can lead to an abortion of the charging process, since the standby mode of the headset is initiated after a short time

• Leaving the play area also leads to an abortion of the file transfer, since the VR headset turns on the external cameras and thus automatically leave XR-EASY

• Often a combination of the two previous causes occurs, e.g. if the VR goggles are put down outside the game area during the loading process

• The network connection must be stable at all times: any loss of connection can also cause the file transfer to stop

Any of these causes will require the connection to be re-established. For this purpose XR-EASY must be restarted.

⇒ Refer to: “How do I end the session?”

Third case:

If an error message appears, the instructions given should be followed.

Occasionally, certain router models and/or network protocols may lead to connectivity problems, which then cause problems with the automatic session admission. Rebooting the systems can help in this case. We recommend proceeding in the following order and retrying automatic admission after each step:

1. Restart XR-EASY on VR headset: Press PICO button ➔ Close XR-EASY ➔ Automatic restart
2. Restart XR-EASY on host PC
3. Restart host PC
4. Restart router

Compliance with certain hygiene standards is required for professional customer relations. If the VR headset is used by different people, the surfaces of the headset and controller should be cleaned before an exchange.

Lens care

• Ensure that no hard objects touch the lens when using and storing the VR headset to avoid scratches
• It is best to use a microfiber cloth dipped in water or an alcohol-free disinfecting cloth to clean the lenses
• To avoid damage, do not wipe the lenses with alcohol or other harsh or abrasive cleaning solutions

Maintenance of the face cushion and the controllers

• Sterile wipes (alcohol-based ingredients are OK here) or a microfiber cloth dipped in 75% alcohol can be used to clean the face pad/controllers
• Gently wipe the surface and surrounding areas that come into contact with the skin until the surface is slightly damp
• Allow to dry before reuse, do not expose directly to sunlight

Face cushion removal

The face cushion can be removed for cleaning or replacement due to traces of usage:

It is extremely important to avoid negative experiences by the customer. Therefore, the following points should be considered:

• Remove fear of bodily harm by discussing the safety zone (play area)
  • Initially lead the customer to the boundary so that they can experience the activation of the external cameras for themselves
• Prevent dizziness reactions and “motion sickness”
  • The customer must correctly adjust the glasses to their own head proportions
  • Some people are generally more susceptible to motion sickness ➔ Explain this to the customer before use
  • Physical contact (e.g. guiding by the shoulder), preferably by a trusted person, can give the customer the necessary reassurance
• Explain controls before VR use to prevent a feeling of being overwhelmed

The attached client instruction guide can help discussing these points:

• Clean and disinfect the headset after each use
  • Inform customer about hygiene measures

Clarify premise

It is important to clarify that the virtual space is not about visuals, but about spatial conditions and thus aspects of ergonomics and proportion.

The virtual display of textures and light effects in the model will be much more impressive with a custom rendered image.

Setting up teleport points

We recommend setting up teleport points – before using them with customers – for the following reasons:

1. Movement control via teleport points is simpler and more straightforward
2. Teleport points restrict the customer’s freedom of movement and allow the salesperson to set individual points of interest
3. The viewing angle is also set
   1. the focus can be set to certain sections
   2. the salesperson thus knows where the customer is looking at after the teleport