HyperTunnel(®) enables field technicians to summon an expert for side-by-side guidance and supervision through a shared virtual environment
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We offer a multi-user system that allows two users, located at distant locations, to collaborate with each other using immersive Virtual reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) interfaces. We provide a VR environment for an expert/supervisor user at the central location. We also provide an AR interface for a novice/technician user at the remote location. In addition, the novice user can be immersed in a VR environment (instead of the AR environment) to support fully immersive simulated training.
Value
HyperTunnel(®) will enable cost savings from leveraging experienced personnel who will oversee multiple sites from one central location; more cost-effective training execution as co-location is not required—saving travel expenses and opportunity costs; and risk reduction in the execution of tasks and savings in insurance policies. In addition, there is potential for reduction in risk related to injuries on the job, which would reduce the instance of work-related disability.
Benefits
HyperTunnel(®) is expected to accrue numerous benefits to industry and society as a whole. There are a variety of target sectors and customers, including electrical utilities, oil & gas extraction services, and any industry with significant capital infrastructure (e.g. manufacturing). These industries will benefit from repairs and upgrades being executed more effectively, fewer errors and equipment malfunctions, and less equipment down time.
Technology
We have developed a complete software platform incorporating our multiple Patented and Patent Pending technologies.
The HyperTunnel(®) platform provides the following capabilities:
SCAN AND DIGITIZE A REMOTE WORK SITE
Depending on the sensors available, and the Augmented Reality (AR) device used at the remote worksite, including cameras, depth sensors, laser scanners, etc. we can reproduce 3D models of the scene and the objects of interest.
RECREATE WORK SITE AT HEADQUARTERS
Once the raw data is imported, our system will process the input and produce a real-size immersive representation of the work site, including the scene environment and individual interactive objects for each piece of equipment that the user might want to interact with.
SIMULATE USER ACTIONS AND ANNOTATIONS
The expert can simulate actions on the 3D models, and can place virtual annotations in VR. These actions, annotations and audio instructions will be transmitted to and reproduced in real-time at the remote location. Sessions can be recorded and used as reference material for future training purposes.
At the work site, the expert’s voice, actions and annotation will be reproduced in AR. The technician will be able to place the synthetic 3D replica of the equipment at any convenient location, allowing for uninterrupted line of sight to the area of performance.
SYNCHRONIZE REMOTE AND VIRTUAL WORK SITES
The VR scene at the central location will be updated as more imagery is acquired at the remote location. The expert will be able to observe the technician to provide additional feedback and verify the correctness of the repair or inspection.