This slide is presented in CAADRIA2012 (The 17th International Conference on Computer Aided Architectural Design Research in Asia). Abstract. The mobility of people's activities, and cloud computing technologies are becoming advanced in the modern age of information and globalisation. This study describes the availability of discussing spatial design while sharing a 3-dimensional virtual space with stakeholders in a distributed and synchronised environment. First of all, a townscape design support system based on a cloud computing type VR system is constructed. Next, an experiment of a distributed and synchronised discussion of townscape design is executed with subjects who are specialists in the townscape design field. After the experiment, both qualitative mental evaluation and quantitative evaluation were carried out. The conclusions are as follows: 1. Users who use VR frequently and who use videoconferencing consider that the difference with face-to-face discussion is small. 2. A Moiré pattern may occur in a gradation picture. 3. The availability of distributed and synchronised discussions with cloud computing type VR is high.

1. CAADRIA2012, Chennai, India
DISTRIBUTED AND SYNCHRONISED
VR MEETING USING CLOUD COMPUTING
Availability and application to a spatial design study
TOMOHIRO FUKUDA, MASAHARU TAGUCHI,
AYAKO SHIMIZU, LEI SUN
Division of Sustainable Energy and Environmental Engineering,
Graduate School of Engineering,
Osaka University, Japan

2. Contents
1. Introduction
2. Cloud Computing Type VR and
Experimentation
1. Cloud Computing Type VR
2. Experimentation
3. Overall Evaluation of the Experiment by
Subjects
1. Experimental Methodology
2. Result
4. Difference in Quality of the VR Image
through Internet Transmission
1. Experimental Methodology
2. Result
5. Conclusion 2

3. Contents
1. Introduction
2. Cloud Computing Type VR and
Experimentation
1. Cloud Computing Type VR
2. Experimentation
3. Overall Evaluation of the Experiment by
Subjects
1. Experimental Methodology
2. Result
4. Difference in Quality of the VR Image
through Internet Transmission
1. Experimental Methodology
2. Result
5. Conclusion 3

4. 1.1 Motivation 1. Introduction
 In the spatial design field, a consensus-building process among a
variety of stakeholders is required. Since it is necessary to share
three-dimensional images to study design in the same-room and
at the same time, VR have been developed.
 Mobility of people's activities, and cloud computing technologies
have become. System developments and design trials of a
distributed and asynchronous type are increased. This allows
expansion of communication opportunities, without a participant
needing to worry about restrictions of space and time.
VR capture of Kobe city VR-blog system (SIGraDI2005) 4

5. 1.2 Aim 1. Introduction
 However, in communication by text, it can be difficult to take in
the nuance and atmosphere of the described contents. Since a
meeting involving a conversation can solve this problem,
communication and decision-making progress quickly.
 Therefore, this study investigates the capability of a distributed
and synchronised type design meeting which allows stakeholders
to participate at different places and at the same time while
sharing a 3D virtual space.
Time
Synchronous Asynchronous
Space Face to face
Distribution
Internet
Stakeholder -B 5
Stakeholder -A

6. 1.3 Previous Study 1. Introduction
 In a distributed and synchronised environment, research on
designs supporting a system for sharing 3D virtual space exists.
 A system allows designers to be physically immersed in their
sketches and physical models, literally inside real-time
representations of these, while sharing them remotely with
another system of the same sort (Dorta, 2011).
 The data volume of the content tend to be large. When drawing
3D graphics on a client PC, a client PC with a high spec GPU is
required (Gu, 2009). A standard spec PC cannot necessarily be used
to participate in a design meeting.
 To solve this problem, the cloud computing type VR (cloud-VR) is
proposed (FORUM8, 2011).
• Dorta, T., et al.: 2011, First steps of the augmented design studio, CAADRIA2011,
271–280.
• Gu, N., et al.: 2009, Evaluating the use of 3D virtual worlds in collaborative
design learning, 13th CAAD Futures Conference, 51–64.
• FORUM8: 2011, “VR-Cloud(TM) / Supercomputer cloud service”. Available from:
http://www.forum8.co.jp/english/uc-win/ucwin-road-e1.htm#vrcloud 6

7. Contents
1. Introduction
2. Cloud Computing Type VR and
Experimentation
1. Cloud Computing Type VR
2. Experimentation
3. Overall Evaluation of the Experiment by
Subjects
1. Experimental Methodology
2. Result
4. Difference in Quality of the VR Image
through Internet Transmission
1. Experimental Methodology
2. Result
5. Conclusion 7

8. 2. Cloud Computing Type VR and Experimentation
2.1 Cloud Computing Type VR
 In cloud-VR, contents are transmitted by the video compression
method of the H.264 standard.
 Commands about viewpoint change, plan changes, etc. of 3D
virtual space on a client PC are calculated from VR contents on a
cloud-VR server. Then the calculated contents are displayed in real
time on the client PC as video, using H.264 standard.
 Merits of cloud-VR
1. A highly efficient graphics environment is unnecessary in a client PC.
2. Plural participants can share a viewpoint, alternatives, or the VR setup
in synchronisation.
3. The VR application version or 3D contents are unified by the
management on the server side.
Cloud-VR Server HTTP Cloud-VR Client
Creating 3D by Compression by Displaying Video
OpenGL H.264
Controller User’s Input
8

9. 2. Cloud Computing Type VR and Experimentation
2.2 Experimentation -1
 A townscape design support system based on a cloud-VR is
constructed.
 Distributed and synchronised type experiment for 30 minutes is
executed with specialists in the townscape design field. A designer
and a reviewer paired up.
Realtime
Static Animation
viewpoint by senario
Dynamic
view from Alternatives
Dynamic walker/air
view from selection
driver
No.0 Present condition
Plan No.1 Width=3.5m of Plan No.2 Width=4m of
Reviewer’s PC sidewalk sidewalk
GUI for
interactive
operation
Internet
Designer’s PC Plan No.3 Width=5m of Plan No.4 Width=5m of
Cloud VR
Server sidewalk sidewalk and pedestrian
9

10. 2. Cloud Computing Type VR and Experimentation
2.2 Experimentation -2
 The streets in Shimonoseki-city, Japan are extension of 350
meters, and the width of 15 meters.
Shimonoseki
(下関) Tokyo(東京)
Osaka(大阪)
15m
Location Current state Photo Brainstorming Workshop
Physical model Decision-making Workshop using VR Future planning-1 VR
made by 3D printer 10

11. 2. Cloud Computing Type VR and Experimentation
2.2 Experimentation -3
 After the designer presents street design proposals, a reviewer
asks and comments operating the cloud-VR.
 The lowest spec PC with Intel Pentium M, 480 MB RAM, on-board
type VRAM, running Microsoft Windows 2000 is actually used.
 As regards the 22 subjects, 6 subjects use a video conferencing
system, and 16 did not use one. 17 subjects had used a stand-
alone VR before and 5 subjects had not used one.
None
CPU of Subjects’ PC Use of Skype at Experimentation
11

12. 2. Cloud Computing Type VR and Experimentation
2.4 Demo: Cloud Computing Type VR
Internet
Osaka, Japan
Cloud VR
Server
Tokyo, Japan
Chennai, India12

13. Contents
1. Introduction
2. Cloud Computing Type VR and
Experimentation
1. Cloud Computing Type VR
2. Experimentation
3. Overall Evaluation of the Experiment by
Subjects
1. Experimental Methodology
2. Result
4. Difference in Quality of the VR Image
through Internet Transmission
1. Experimental Methodology
2. Result
5. Conclusion 14

14. 3. Overall Evaluation of the Experiment by Subjects
3.1 Experimental Methodology
 A questionnaire was implemented after the experiment.
 The questionnaire result was scored using a 5-point scale.
A Part of Questionnaire
(in Japanese) 15

15. 3. Overall Evaluation of the Experiment by Subjects
3.2 Result -1
 Influence of latency through internet transmission
▶ Difference by individuals.
▶ Actually, the experiment was carried on, checking mutually VR
displayed on the PC of the designer and the reviewer through
conversation.
16

16. 3. Overall Evaluation of the Experiment by Subjects
3.2 Result -2
 Deterioration of the quality of VR image by internet transmission
▶ Deterioration was small. A score above four points (80%) was
obtained from the subjects.
▶ Difference in quality between the image of the stand-alone VR and
the cloud-VR is verified quantitatively.
17

17. 3. Overall Evaluation of the Experiment by Subjects
3.2 Result -3
 Difference between a face-to-face type meeting and a distributed
and synchronised type meeting
▶ Subjects who use a Skype and a VR frequently considered that
the difference was small.
18

18. 3. Overall Evaluation of the Experiment by Subjects
3.2 Result -4
 Availability for the actual townscape design process
▶ Many think the system can be used in an actual design process.
More specialists who work at places distant from main site can
participate. When specialists use cloud-VR at a busy time in a
meeting, the system can respond also to detailed changes.
▶ On the other hand, differences in the contents of a design may
appear due to differences in the color of the display of client PC.
Color management is necessary.
19

19. Contents
1. Introduction
2. Cloud Computing Type VR and
Experimentation
1. Cloud Computing Type VR
2. Experimentation
3. Overall Evaluation of the Experiment by
Subjects
1. Experimental Methodology
2. Result
4. Difference in Quality of the VR Image
through Internet Transmission
1. Experimental Methodology
2. Result
5. Conclusion 20

20. 4. Difference in Quality of the VR Image through Internet Transmission
4.1 Experimental Methodology -1
 Deterioration of the quality of VR through internet transmission
was analysed using a spectrum radiation luminance meter, CA-
2000A.
21

21. 4. Difference in Quality of the VR Image through Internet Transmission
4.1 Experimental Methodology -2
 To understand reproducibility of neutral colors, three kinds of
gradation pictures, from black to red, from black to green, and
from black to blue, were also measured.
1. Stand-alone VR <-> Cloud-VR displayed on a local host
▶ No influence by internet transmission. Difference in the drawing
process of stand-alone VR and cloud-VR can be grasped.
2. Cloud-VR displayed on a local host <-> Cloud-VR displayed via
the Internet
▶ Drawing process is the same. Difference by internet transmission
can be grasped.
22

22. 4. Difference in Quality of the VR Image through Internet Transmission
4.2 Result -1
1. Stand-alone VR <-> Cloud-VR displayed on a local host
▶ Average value of the difference was 0.0024. Since ranges of both
x and y are 0.0 <= x, y <= 1.0 in a CIE Yxy color system, the
residual error of this value was 0.24%.
▶ Since this value is very small, the difference of the drawing
process is small.
2. Cloud-VR displayed on a local host <-> Cloud-VR displayed via
the Internet
▶ Average value of the difference was 0.0023. The residual error of
this value was 0.23%.
▶ Since this value is very small, the difference in the influence
according to internet transmission is small.
23

23. 4. Difference in Quality of the VR Image through Internet Transmission
4.2 Result -2
 When a gradation picture was displayed by cloud-VR, Moiré
striping appeared.
 When creating VR for architectural design and urban design,
gradation will be used with lighting, sky, etc.. When making or
applying VR, it is necessary to pay attention to this.
Stand-alone VR Cloud-VR 24

24. Contents
1. Introduction
2. Cloud Computing Type VR and
Experimentation
1. Cloud Computing Type VR
2. Experimentation
3. Overall Evaluation of the Experiment by
Subjects
1. Experimental Methodology
2. Result
4. Difference in Quality of the VR Image
through Internet Transmission
1. Experimental Methodology
2. Result
5. Conclusion 25

25. 4. Conclusion
4.1 Conclusion
 The feasibility of distributed and synchronised VR meeting using
cloud computing is high. It increases the opportunities for
specialists in remote places to participate in design meeting.
 Those who use video conferencing, and who use VR frequently
think that there is little difference from face-to-face meetings. It
is important that participants can check the situation of
understanding mutually by video conferencing.
 The influence of image quality degradation with cloud-VR is found
to be small. However, a Moiré pattern may occur in a gradation
picture.
26

26. 4. Conclusion
4.2 Future Work
 It is necessary through experiments involving meetings of three
or more persons, international meetings, etc. to investigate the
possibilities for distributed and synchronised VR meetings.
27

27. Thank you for your attention!
E-mail: fukuda@see.eng.osaka-u.ac.jp
Twitter: fukudatweet
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Linkedin: Tomohiro Fukuda