Below we describe comprehensively how HAMMES|XR-EASY works.
For VR professionals, we also offer quick guides for download:

System setup and maintenance

General

After installation via remote maintenance or by your IT specialist, XR-EASY becomes an add-on to the room planning software. Using the 3D export function of the planning software, you can transfer the planned model into the virtual world at the push of a button.

Your workplace computer usually serves as the host and starts the cloud session in the so-called desktop mode. Any number of VR headsets and other computers that are equipped with the XR-EASY software and are connected to the internet can take part in this session.

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.

Controller

The controllers are shipped with two 1.5 V AA batteries each. Please keep spare batteries on hand. Alternatively, rechargeable batteries can be used. Caution: It is not possible to charge rechargeable batteries in the controllers.

To change the battery, pull the cover in the direction of the printed arrow.

Underneath the cover, the wrist strap can be removed or replaced. In general, we recommend using the straps to reduce the risk of injury and damage.

When purchased from our hardware partner, the VR headset is delivered ready-to-use with preconfigured software in so-called kiosk mode. First, buyers must familiarize themselves with the devices – VR headset and controller – and how they work.

Pico® Neo 3 Pro VR-Brille
Pico® Neo 3 Pro Controller
  • Turning the VR headset on/off: Press the POWER button for two to three seconds.
  • Turning the controllers on/off: Press the PICO button for two to three seconds.
When putting on the VR headset, make sure that the lens distance and the headband are always correctly adjusted to the user’s head shape:

  • The distance of the lenses can be adjusted to the own pupil spacing in 3 increments
  • The lenses are moved manually to the best option
Pupillenabstand anpassen
  • 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 by turning the set screw (like a bike helmet).
Aufsetzen der Pico VR-Brille

Warning

  • For the best virtual reality experience, it is very important that the headset is fitted as perfectly as possible. Please support your customers in this process!
  • If the headset is not well adjusted, it could lead to motion sickness at any time, as well as cause headaches or eye pain.
  • In this case, please stop using the VR headset immediately. After a recovery break and a better adjustment, you may continue!

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)

Attention

  • Strictly avoid direct sunlight on the lenses of the VR headset. It can cause massive permanent damage to the lenses.
  • When using VR headset with hand tracking (instead of controller), avoid strong light exposure (sun, spotlight) and reflective surfaces (mirrors, windows).
  • When not in use, it is best to store the VR headset and controller in a box and recharge them in time before use.
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

Play area

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.

Attention

  • 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

There are two modes to choose from:

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” (in situ)
  • therefore: only suitable for stationary applications

Note

  • The play area setup is initiated automatically if the environment is not recognized
  • If the same space is used continuously, the play area only needs to be set up initially, but it should be checked before each session
  • This can be done by simply following the instructions in the VR headset
Quick start video guide

(Screenshots follow each description)

  • Select Custom Mode (1) ➔ Press TRIGGER Button
  • Virtual ground adjustment (2) starts ➔ Click on Continue with TRIGGER Button
  • The floor height is automatically adjusted by the VR headset software
  • Manual adjustment: Place controller at floor level (3) ➔ Press TRIGGER Button
Virtuelle Bodenanpassung
  • Define play area ➔ Click on Continue with TRIGGER Button (1)
  • Define the desired play area with interaction beam and by holding down the TRIGGER Button (2)
  • Play area outer line must be enclosed ➔ Release TRIGGER Button(3)
Spielbereich definieren
  • When approaching the play area border, it is displayed in the VR headset like a curtain (1)
  • As you leave the play area, the black and white image from the outdoor camera is displayed (2)
Spielbereichsgrenze

Note

  • The play area setup is initiated automatically if the environment is not recognized
  • If the same space is used continuously, the play area only needs to be set up initially, but it should be checked before each session
  • This can be done by simply following the instructions in the VR headset
  • Select Quick Mode ➔ Press TRIGGER Button (1)
  • Select between standing/sitting and area size small/medium/large (2)
In-situ Schnellmodus
  • The floor height is automatically adjusted by the VR headset software (1)
  • Manual adjustment: Under”2. Check…” click on “Adjust >” with TRIGGER Button ➔ Place controller at floor level ➔ Press TRIGGER Button (2)

In-situ Bodenanpassung
  • Click with the TRIGGER Button on Start to finish the setup
  • When approaching the play area border, it is displayed in the VR headset like a curtain (1)
  • As you leave the play area, the black and white image from the outdoor camera is displayed (2)
In-situ Spielbereichsgrenze
  • Press the PICO Button, to access the ArborXR menu
Startseite XR-EASY
  • Click on play area button with the TRIGGER Button (1)
  • Play area will be reset ➔ setup may be redone (2)
Spielbereich zurücksetzen

WLAN/WiFi network

  • Have WLAN or WiFi data ready

Before XR-EASY is ready for use, the local WLAN/WiFi network must be connected. Proceed as follows:

  • Press the PICO Button to access the ArborXR menu
Startseite XR-EASY
  • Click on the WiFi icon with the TRIGGER Button (1)

  • On the appearing submenu click on WiFi settings with the TRIGGER Button (2)
WiFi -Einstellungen auswählen
  • Select WLAN/WiFi network ➔ click on your network name with the TRIGGER Button (1)

  • Keyboard appears ➔ enter password (2)
Eigenes Netzwerk auswählen - Passworteingabe
  • After entering password ➔ click on Connect to confirm with the TRIGGER Button (1)
  • Upon a successful connection, “Connected” will appear next to your network name (2)
Mit Netzwerk verbinden
  • Click on the backwards-arrow < with the TRIGGER Button (1)
  • Click on continue app with the TRIGGER Button to start XR-EASY (2)
Zurück zu XR-EASY

Starting a VR session

Data transfer

The integration of XR-EASY into the normal workflow with the HAMMES|Software is straightforward via the entries within the software:

  • open offer
  • under menu item “File” ➔ click on 3D Export (1) ➔ select location for file export (2) ➔ choose between with/without wall (3)
Dateiexport

Note

Certain textures cannot be transferred to VR. In this case, a notice will appear indicating which textures are affected. Except for not including these textures, however, nothing changes in the overall process.

  • After a successful launch of the export, XR-EASY is automatically started
  • The VR session is built on its own based on the 3D model
  • Afterwards the Coop-in-VR session starts, allowing other users to participate
XR-EASY Import

Note

This section describes joining while using the same WiFi network as the session host.
For joining the VR session from a different network, go to “Main menu” ⇒ “Can I join a coop session manually?

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

Note

The name of the host (1) can be changed in the “Settings” of coop sessions.
Refer to “General functions” ⇒ “How can I join a coop session?

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

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.

Once a model is exported from HAMMES to XR-EASY, an .XVR file is created. This file can also be loaded directly into XR-EASY for viewing on the desktop, creating teleport points or hosting a new coop session.

The .XVR file is placed by XR-EASY on the folder “*\XR-EASY 3.x.x\3D Models\Name-of-the-offer”, which then be loaded into XR-EASY without having to use the planning software.

To 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 can also be used as a VR tool without the implementation by a planning software. All that is required is a CAD file in OBJ or FBX format. 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?

Controls and movement

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
Pinch und Point Geste

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
Handmenü

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 MENUPOINT gesture
Hauptmenü

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

Note

For an instruction and setup guide on Teleport Points, go to:

Desktop Mode – Teleport Points.

Teleport Points

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

  • Select Teleport (HAND MENUPOINT 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
Teleport Untermenü
  • By moving on in one direction, all defined positions can be navigated to
  • Viewing direction is determined by the teleport points setup
Teleport zwischen zwei Punkten

Main menu

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 ImportSearch 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
Datei manuell laden in VR

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.

Note

  • Session ID of the coop session must be known
  • Connection to R3DT Cloud must be established ➔ Connected
  • The loaded XVR file must be available to other participants of the coop session

⇒ Refer to: “How do I share my XVR file with other participants?

  • 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)
Coop-Session in VR manuell beitreten

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

Einstellungen in VR - Sprache und Datenerhebung

Note

For how to look up the session ID in desktop mode, go to the following entry:

⇒ “Where can I look up the session ID?

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

Session ID in VR

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
Sprachübertragung

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

Session verlassen

Note

  • After exiting, XR-EASY is automatically restarted
  • Restarting the software in the VR headset may fix problems that occur

Desktop Mode

General functions

  • Open XR-EASY directory ➔ Launch XR-EASY.exe application
XR-EASY starten
  • XR-EASY starts ➔ User enters start screen
XR-EASY Startbildschirm

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?

  • Scale the entire model using the arrow keys (up and down)
  • Reset the scaling to 1:1 using the enter key
  • Toggle visibility of the virtual floor with the F key (F = Floor)

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

Hauptmenü

To load a file manually, please proceed as follows:

  • Click on ImportSearch 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)
Manueller Import im Desktop Modus

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

Note

  • Session ID of the coop session must be known
  • Connectivity to R3DT Cloud must be established ➔ Connected (2)
  • The loaded XVR file must be available to all participants of the coop session

⇒ Refer to: “How do I share my XVR file with other participants?

  • 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
Coop-Session beitreten

Note

Connectivity to R3DT Cloud must be established ➔ Connected (3)

  • Click on CoopCreate (1)
  • The displayed user name can be changed in the User Name field (2)
  • Click on Start to create the coop session
Coop-Session hosten im Desktop Modus

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):

Session-ID im Desktop Modus
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.

Note

How to look up the session ID in VR can be found under the following entry:

⇒ ““Where can I look up the session ID?”

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 ToolsNext
Session speichern

Note – Save files

  • XR-EASY creates a subfolder on “*\XR-EASY 3.x.x\3D Models\Name-of-the-offer” when exporting a model from the planning software
  • All used textures and the loaded file “Name-of-the-offer.XVR” are stored in this folder
  • The .XVR file is overwritten on save

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
Sprachübertragung im Desktop Modus
The desired audio input (microphone) can be selected via SettingsAudio

Einstellungen im Desktop Modus - Audioausgang

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
Einstellungen im Desktop Modus

Starting position

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

To define a different start position, at least one teleport point must be set. However, this disables the free teleport function. With the use of teleport points, the VR user is automatically set to the first teleport point when entering the VR session.

Attention

The center point of the model can be within an object (e.g. table, cabinet) or a wall. In this case, a VR user would be directly inside said object or wall when entering the VR session. This can lead to a negative experience for the customer. Due to this, the starting position should be identified beforehand and possibly changed by using the teleport points.

Teleport points

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.

Attention

The center point of the model can be within an object (e.g. table, cabinet) or a wall. In this case, a VR user would be directly inside said object or wall when entering the VR session. This can lead to a negative experience for the customer. Due to this, the starting position should be identified beforehand and possibly changed by using the teleport points.

Start setup

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

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:

Einrichtung beenden

Note

Teleport points can also be set up during a coop session. This can help if the client wants to view the model from a certain position or perspective.

Once set up, the VR user can teleport to the new points.

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

Create teleport point

  • Left click on a plane
  • Teleport point is added
Teleport Punkt erstellen

Note

  • There is no limit for the number of teleport points
  • Too many points can make it difficult to navigate in VR

⇒ Refer to: “Teleport points

Delete teleport point

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

Note

Alternatively, teleport points can also be deleted via the list under ToolsPositions.

⇒ Refer to: “Which setting options are available?” – List of all teleport points

Move teleport point

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

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
Blickrichtung ändern

Verify perspective

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

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)
Liste der Teleport Punkte

Troubleshooting / Other

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.

Dateipfad XVR-Datei Desktop
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
Dateipfad XVR-Datei PICO
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

Kick off with customers

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:

Kunden Beipackzettel

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

Discover the advantages and fun with XR-EASY