Enabling smooth and scalable dynamic 3D visualization of discrete-event construction simulations in outdoor augmented reality

Visualization is a powerful method for verifying, validating, and communicating the results of a simulated model. Lack of visual understanding about a simulated model is one of the major reasons inhibiting contractors and engineers from using results obtained from discrete-event simulation to plan and design their construction processes and commit real resources on the job site. The fast emerging information technology makes the use of modern visualization applications more appealing to engineers and scientists in different domains. This paper presents the design and implementation of an augmented reality (AR) visualization application together with an authoring language that allows the creation of outdoor AR animated scenes of simulated operations while featuring complete user involvement and interaction. The application is based on the concept of scene graphs. It also uses a unique general purpose data transmission method to communicate with hardware components of the system.