Scene Graph and Frame Update Algorithms for Smooth and Scalable 3D Visualization of Simulated Construction Operations

Abstract

One of the prime reasons inhibiting the widespread use of discrete-event simulation in construction planning is the absence of appropriate visual communication tools. Visualizing modeled operations in 3D is arguably the best form of communicating the logic and the inner working of simulation models and can be of immense help in establishing the credibility of analyses. New software development technologies emerge at incredible rates that allow engineers and scientists to create novel, domainspecific applications. The authors capitalized on a computer graphics technology based on the concept of the scene graph to design and implement a general-purpose 3D visualization system that is simulation and CAD-software independent. This system, the Dynamic Construction Visualizer, enables realistic visualization of modeled construction operations and the resulting products and can be used in conjunction with a wide variety of simulation tools. This paper describes the scene graph architecture and the frame updating algorithms used in designing the Dynamic Construction Visualizer.

Software mechanisms for extensible and scalable 3D visualization of construction operations

“…Thus, although statement processing is instantaneous, the resulting visualization is necessarily not. VITASCOPE's visualization scheme achieves smooth animation by continuously monitoring objects set in motion and updating their position at frequent time instants, while at the same time processing any new communicated events [14]. This scheme is graphically presented in Fig.…”

“…VITASCOPE is a 3D animation language designed specifically for visualizing simulated construction operations in smooth, continuous, dynamic 3D virtual worlds. A limited subset of the VITASCOPE language and the corresponding prototype implementation were referred to as the dynamic construction visualizer (DCV) in some prior publications [13,14].…”

Virtual 3D Modeling for Optimized Bridge Construction Process

“…Al-Hussein et al [1] showed the 3D model animation of tower crane operation based on the optimized simulation results. Kamat and Martinez [2] graphically simulated construction equipment operations in a 3D virtual construction site.…”

Algorithm for Accurate Three‐Dimensional Scene Graph Updates in High‐Speed Animations of Previously Simulated Construction Operations

“…The continuous cycling of these two steps at rates of 10 or more per second gives the illusion of apparent motion (Anderson and Anderson, 1993). Kamat and Martinez (2002) explain in detail how a scene graph is organized and modified to reflect changes in position and orientation of elemental 3D objects. They also explain how a straight‐line language, authorable by end‐user programmable applications (such as a discrete‐event simulation system), can describe the movements and transformations with temporal and spatial accuracy.…”