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Augmented/Virtual Reality (AR/VR)

Augmented reality (AR) is an enhanced version of the real physical world that is achieved through the use of digital visual elements, sound, or other sensory stimuli and delivered via technology. It is a growing trend among companies involved in mobile computing and business applications in particular.

The three elements of augmented reality

AR incorporates three features: a combination of digital and physical worlds, interactions made in real time, and accurate 3D identification of virtual and real objects.

Virtual reality (VR) is a simulated experience that can be similar to or completely different from the real world.

Virtual Reality (VR) is a computer-generated environment with scenes and objects that appear to be real, making the user feel they are immersed in their environment. Virtual reality is a simulated 3D environment that enables users to explore and interact with a virtual surrounding in a way that approximates reality.

The three types of virtual reality?

There are three main types of virtual reality used today to transform the world around us, including non-immersive, semi-immersive, and fully-immersive simulations.

What is the difference between VR and AR?

VR creates an immersive virtual environment, while AR augments a real-world scene. VR is 75 percent virtual, while AR is only 25 percent virtual. VR requires a headset device, while AR does not. VR users move in a completely fictional world, while AR users are in contact with the real world.

Is Metaverse AR or VR?

Technologies like virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are combined in the metaverse to create a sense of 'virtual presence.

This is a technology that superimposes a computer-generated image on a user's view of the real world, thus providing a composite view.

Use Case

Companies' augmented reality pilot is paving the way for subject matter experts to give field engineers critical onsite support without leaving their office. This capability dramatically reduces travel (some subject matter experts [SMEs] rack up hundreds of thousands air miles a year) and accelerates global support.

Some are using Microsoft HoloLens, a computer built into a headset that lets the wearer see, hear and interact with holograms in their physical environment such as a refinery or rig. In other words, it augments reality. HoloLens greatly exceeds the functionality of previous augmented reality systems and runs more than 40,000 Windows applications.

As a field engineer wears the HoloLens, a remote SME uses their laptop to view what the field engineer sees and can then draw in the holographic environment, upload schematics and share desktop applications. Together, they can perform inspections, resolve issues and review work in progress.

This is a great example of how Companies are quickly capitalizing on advancements in technology to deliver immediate value to businesses, Through collaboration with Tech Computing, we can been able to quickly go from concept to pilot, empowering any team – not just facilities engineering – to reduce travel requirements and help deliver solutions right at the site of the problem.

Exploring HoloLens (Virtual Reality VR & Augmented Reality AR) in Oil and Gas industry

Microsoft's HoloLens is a mixed-reality product that allows true interaction with 3D models integrated into the physical world. The HoloLens is completely untethered from any device, is able to detect gestures, and includes an on-board voice interface with Cortana. The only similar untethered AR device is Magic Leap, which is not on the market yet.

How can VR technology be used in the oil and gas industry?

VR is a perfect tool for education, training, tourism, sports, science and entertainment to mention a few. You can experience and study places you normally do not get to visit easily. This technology, which represents a totally new medium of its own, is perfect for learning and instructing about the oil and gas production process and rig functionality. With VR you can tele transport to offshore platforms without moving from your desk. You do not need to fly investors and company visitors to the site of interest anymore. You only need to capture the whole platform once and deploy the data into a headset at your office in Europe, Americas or Asia.

VR and MR will be the tools for better training. For example, if you have a room of people who are watching a screen and need to learn about security procedures and how to behave on a platform, 40-50% of those people are not paying attention or engaging actively or sufficiently.

With VR, attention spans go up drastically. Trainers can be assured that their trainees are focusing on the content. They have the headsets on and it is very difficult for them to get distracted. Also, the content is highly immersive, so the retention of information is very high, up to 90%. We do not argue that in the end, the best education for a human being is practice in reality. But this can be very expensive, logistically difficult and potentially dangerous.

There is a huge difference between VR and 2D training videos, since VR is interactive and closer to reality than the traditional way of training. With good VR content, you will not only be reducing the risk of accidents, but in the end, save a big amount of money. Think about how much an accident costs for the company. That is where cost reduction happens. That is where VR training tools represent an investment, not an expense.

"Alejandro SUGICH - CEO and Co-Founder SUMO"

Talking about VR and AR, Microsoft HoloLens – a mixed reality headset can be of great use for oil companies that are engaged in oil exploration and production. HoloLens can be used by oil exploration and drilling companies to make their operations easier by allowing them to remotely monitor the sites.

Video clip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jimZXEP41YQ

Opportunities in AR/VR:

Construction services group for Fabrication and installations
Survey team for acquiring and processing images - Point Cloud
Facilities Engineering Capital Project Team - Enhancing drawings and models
Operation – Maintenance group (servicing and maintenance of equipment)
Field/Plant Operators – Plant Facility walkthroughs and section identification
SCADA/PCN – Data visualization and remote monitoring of HMI equipment
Training – Real time remote training facilitation and OJT mentoring

EXECUTIVE OVERSIGHT & DATA VISUALIZATION -

Leadership can have a bird's eye view of data with option to drill deeper. Leadership teams can jointly visualize and make informed decisions on vital issues compared to viewing static data on dashboards.