Faculty of Cognitive Sciences and Human Development

VIRTUAL INTERACTIVE INTERIOR WALKTHROUGH USING UNITY3D

Yeap Mei Ling

Bachelor of Science with Honours T (Cognitive Science) 385

1015Y38 1015

UNIVERSITI MALAYSIA SARAWAK

Grade: __A___ Please tick one

Final Year Project Report I2SI

Masters 0 PhD 0

DECLARATION OF ORIGINAL WORK

This declaration is made on the 15th day of JUNE year 2015.

Student's Declaration:

I, YEAP MEl LING, 39402, FACULTY OF COGNITIVE SCIENCES AND HUMAN DEVELOPMENT, hereby

declare that the work entitled, VIRTUAL INTERACTIVE INTERIOR WALKTHROUGH USING UNITY3D is my original work. I have not copied from any other students' work or from any other sources with the exception where due reference or acknowledgement is made explicitly in the text, nor has any part of the work been written for me by another person.

15 JUNE 2015

, YEAP MEl LING (39402)

Supervisor's Declaration:

I, DR. NG GIAP WENG , hereby certify that the work entitled, VIRTUAL INTERACTIVE INTERIOR WALKTHROUGH USING UNITY3D was prepared ,by the aforementioned or above mentioned student. and was submitted to the "FACULTY" as a *partiallfull fulfillment for the conferment of BACHELOR OF SCIENCE WITH HONOURS (COGNITIVE SCIENCE), and the aforementioned work, to the best of my knowledge, is the said student's work

15 JUNE 2015 Received for examination by: Date: ------- ­

(DR. NG GIAP WENG)

I declare this ProjectJThesis is classified as (Please tick (-../»:

o CONFIDENTIAL (Contains confidential information under the Official Secret Act 1972)*

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Pusat Khidmat MakJuDlat Akademil­UNIVERSITI MALAYSIA SARAWAJo."

VIRTUAL INTERACTIVE INTERIOR WALKTHROUGH USING UNITY3D

YEAP MEl LING

This project is su bmitted in partial fulfilment of the requirement for a

Bachelor of Science with Honours (Cognitive Science)

Faculty of Cognitive Sciences and Human Development UNIVERSITI MALAYSIA SARA W AK

(2015)

The project entitled Implementation of Virtual Interactive Interior Walkthrough Using Unity3d was prepared by Yeap Mei Ling and submitted to the Faculty of Cognitive Sciences and Human Development in partial fulfillment of the requirements for a Bachelor of Science with Honours (Cognitive Science)

Received for examination by

(DR. NG GIAP WENG)

Date:

15th June 2015

Grade

A ii

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I thank my supervisor Dr. Ng Giap Weng, for the tolerance, effort and guidance that

he has devoted in helping me complete my [mal year project. I appreciate every word of

guidance that was given to me, the effort in helping me, guiding me throughout when I was

confused in my ideas and options in the process of this project, and the tolerance he had bear

in it.

I also like to thank my parents, for the unfailing love and support when I felt weak and

afraid. A humble friend, Cheong Y ong Ping, great thanks for his tutoring when I encounter

problems in using the related software. It is greatly appreciated for spending time with me in

solving the problems that I have encountered in the development of this project. Not to forget,

your kind giving of the software plugin which I needed for free. Thank you for the humble

and selfless sharing of your knowledge in using Unity3D.

To my friends it is greatly appreciated for making time to listen to me when I needed

opinions and ideas, or when I encounter difficulties. The completion of my bachelor's degree

would be impossible without the love and support from the respective people involved in the

completion of my fmal year project.

iii

I

Pusat Kbidmat MakJumat AkademH UNIVERSm MALAYSIA SARAWAL

TABLE OF CONTENTS

LIST OF FIGURES ............................................................................................................... v

ABSTRACT ........................................................................................................................vii

CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................... 1

CHAPTER TWO LITERATURE REVIEW ... ........................................................................ 5

CHAPTER THREE METHODOLOGy ............................................................................... 16

CHAPTER FOUR RESULTS .. ............................................................................................ 21

CHAPTER FIVE DISCUSSION .......................................................................................... 35

REFERENCES .................................................................................................................... 37

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LIST OF FIGURES

Figure Process from CAD into VR model ..................................... ......................... ............. 8

Figure 3D models with their level of reality .................... ..... ........................ .. ...................... 9

Figure Interactive interior visualization using Unity3D software ....... ............ ............... .. .. 13

Figure Interior visualization using Unity3D software ...................... ................................... 13

Figure Visualized decorated suite ........ .. ......................... ........................ ........................ .. 14

Figure Research model to create an interactive virtual walkthrough ... .......... ............ .... ..... 17

Figure System flow for developing the virtual showroom ..... .. .......................... ...... .......... 17

Figure Inspector for terrain ...................... .. ....................................... ..... .. ....................... .. 21

Figure Process of brushing and smoothing for an uneven height for the terrain ........ ......... 21

Figure Applying and brushing on different materials onto the terrain .......... ..................... 22

Figure Terrain with smoothed height ....................... ....... ...................... .. ..................... .. .22

Figure Terrain with skyview, readjusting the position ............ ... ................... ....... ............ 22

Figure Creating a wall for the 3D showroom ........ ..... ..... ... ......... ............ .............. .......... 23

Figure 3D house model based on cubes, and fIrst person controller ................................. 23

Figure Importing assets such as 3d models and implementing materials on them ............ 24

Figure Before lightmapping is applied on the scene ..... .... .............. .......... .............. ......... 25

Figure After the scene has been baked with lightmaps .... .................. ....... ........................ 26

Figure After the scene has been baked ......... ... ..................... .. ........................ ................. 26

Figure Codes for triggering door movement when user reaches ...... ....................... ......... 27

Figure Coding for moving door ....................... .. ............. ... ........ ........................... ......... . 28

Figure Coding for moving door .................... .................... ........................... ................... 28

Figure Attaching collider and button script ...................................... ....................... .... .... 29

Figure Visbility 0 f detection when mouse is hover over the button ................. ................. 29

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Figure 24 Scaling the size of buttons in the virtual scene ...... .. ............. ................................ 30

Figure 25 Scaling the size of buttons in the Inspector using Anchor element ........................ 30

Figure 26 Coding for navigation linking ............... ....................... ........................................ 31

Figure 27 Process of implementation of the linking ............................................................. 32

Figure 28 The difference in materials of the walls in the same room ... ................... .. ............ 33

vi

ABSTRACT

Unity3D is known for being a game developing software instead one for interior or

architectural design. The development of increasingly complex video games had increased

the popularity of 3D environments. This study aims to reexplore the utilizing this software to

explore the ability of Unity 3D in creating virtual interactive showroom. It also aims to

provide an interactive walkthrough where users can experience and freely explore the virtual

environment. User experience and minor technical performance are analysed to evaluate the

[mal product of the virtual environment produced.

Keywords: 3d modelling, virtual reality, interactivity, draw cans

vii

ABSTRAK

Unity3D dikenali kerana permainan Perisian membangun bukan satu untuk reka bentuk

dalaman atau seni bina. Pembangunan permainan video yang semakin kompleks telah

meningkat populariti persekitaran 3D. Kajian ini bertujuan untuk meneroka menggunakan

perisian ini untuk meneroka keupayaan Unity3D dalam mewujudkan bilik pameran interaktif

maya. Ia juga bertujuan untuk memberi Walkthrough interaktif di mana pengguna boleh

mengalami dan bebas meneroka persekitaran maya. Pengalaman serta prestasi teknikal kecil

dianalisis untuk menilai hasil akhir daripada persekitaran maya yang dihasilkan.

Kata kunci: pemodelan 3d, realiti maya, interaktif, draw calls

viii

CHAPTERl

INTRODUCTION

Background of study

Digital design of interiors of house models is essential to avoid unnecessary

construction errors. Virtual Reality (VR) software breaks traditional design environment by

providing interactive imagery creation.

Gaming software, being a type ofVR software, act as a new approach to interior design

practices. This provides new ideas and perspectives in the application of VR softwares for

interior design. There has not been much in depth research in game design elements for interior

design (Tiemersma, 2014). Using game software technology in the 3D design field has overall

shorter virtual construction process (Indraspratha & Shinozaki, n.d.).

the difference between using an average 3D design software and a gaming software

as a 3D design software is the ability for interactive virtual environment. Users are allow to

experience a dynamic and interactive virtual interior environment by using 3D gaming software

as the design software. Users can then explore the interior design by walking through the room

layout. Creating a good quality virtual interior enables users' satisfaction. An interactive 3D

content attract more users for house investments.

Using a gaming development software acts as a dynamic design process and solution

due to the freedom and limitless options that such software can offer to the field of interior

design. Also, it provides new opportunities for comparisons with other design solutions.

1

Problem Statement

Interactive 3D environment is more complex as compared to 2D or static 3D modelling.

Feasibility ofgame technology to create interactive 3D environment has not been tested much.

3D gaming development software such as Unity3D is possible to act as a tool for visualization

analysis. Shinozaki and Indraspratha (n.d.) had previously intend to test the feasibility ofgame

technology to create photorealistic graphic and immersive navigation in architectural design.

There has not been many studies conducted using a game development software, in this

case Unity3D, for the development and virtual display for architectural, interior, and design

walkthrough.

Most interior walkthroughs only enable users to view the 3d environment (i.e., a guided

fixed navigation), instead of allowing users to freely explore and navigate the virtual

environment themselves.

Research Objectives

General Objective The main objective of this study is to rediscover using Unity3D as an

alternate software option in virtual interactive interior design walkthrough.

Specific Objectives Specific objectives of this study is:

1. To design a photorealistic interior house modelling through using Unity3D.

2. To explore the elements of using Unity3D that- is beneficial for development and

visualization of 3D interior design.

3. Integrate dynamic interactive navigation for users.

4. To observe and analyse the outcome of using Unity3D software.

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Limitations of Study

One of the limitations to conduct this study is possible inaccuracy and unknown capability

to create an interior room or a house using Unity3D compared to other 3D design software.

This is due to Unity3D has not been widely used in the interior design field. It is a more common

VR software for gaming development instead. It is unknown the potential ofusing this software

to has the ability to create more than a room, or more than a house for the given period to

conduct this study.

Besides that, this study might be unable to have a recognized benchmark for analysing

Unity3D software in 3D interior design. The benchmark for analysing Unity3d software is not

properly defined. Previous studies conducted does not uses the same benchmarking in

evaluating or comparing this software with the capabilities and features of other 3D design

software.

Moreover, the enormous scope of the elements in Unity3D software. might result in the

inability to fully explore and observe the features of the software. Not every element of the

software is used to create a virtual interactive interior scene.

Significance of Study

This study acts as testing out a different approach in the navigation for the walkthrough.

Previously, studies or companies who uses other softwares such as 3dsMax are known to on1y

allow users to see a guided walkthrough, without being interactive. Users cannot choose where

they want to navigate when viewing a 3d virtual showroom environment. User experience can

be discover with using this software for 3D interior design. It can explore using a gaming

software for an interior walkthrough. Hopefully, the product created that can act as a

breakthrough in choosing the suitable software in 3D interior design.

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,....

This study can also be a contribution to knowledge as it combines perspectives of

interior design and games. New and enhanced ideas and perspectives that was previously not

possible using normal 3D design software can become more practical in the interior design

field by using a different approach to 3D design (Le. using gaming development software,

Unity3D).

Scope of Study

This project only concerns with the free version of Unity3D. The pro version, which

includes more functions is not use or explore. Moreover, only 1 scripting language will be used,

whicih is c#, instead of the other languages also available

Definition of Terms

3D Software. Modelling of object, animation, and layout or rendering to design and

develop 3-dimensional object or animation.

Assets. Virtual objects and environment that is to be placed in the virtual environment.

4

Pusat KJlidmat Maklumat Akademili

UNlVERSm MALAYSIA SARAWA},

CHAPTER 2

LITERATURE REVIEW

Introduction

Evolution of technology cannot replace creativity, but it has brought about the ability

to portray the imagined creativity of interior design. Digitalizing modelling allows designs to

be express even in the early stages ofdesign (i.e. scheme conceptual stages). Design costs have

been efficiently reduced with this method. Digitalized models enable internal mental image of

house interiors design to be display in the early stages of design process, which reduces errors

in the overall complete design decisions of house model.

It is important to have a low-cost but yet high performance virtual environment in the

interior construction process. Utilising game development software as a design software for

visualizing interior designs has open up new perspectives and possibilities for 3D design. It

enable real time data rendering and interaction between users and virtual environment

(lndraprastha & Shinozaki, 2009).

Presentation of digitalized modelling can be done using various resources. These

include Virtual Reality (VR), Computer Aided Design (CAD), and multimedia (i.e. game

development software) (Kim, n.d.).

History of Interior Design using Digital Modelling

It is an important aspect for users to be able to visualise the interiors ofa design model.

Interior design students normally does not possess any programming skills. Often, they fmd

new software being technically difficult to use in 3D modelling of interior designs (Kreutzberg,

n.d.). An easy to use software is needed for productive 3D designing.

5

Society often ask for a more dynamic design solutions to 3D modelling (Thiemersma,

2014). Themes such as interaction, dynamic worlds, which is a core of games, has often not

been in part of interior design (Tiemersma, 2014).

Process of interior design has evolved when personal computer was introduced in 1975

in the United States (Teng & Guo, 2011). Digital industry evolves faster as compared to other

industries in the world. For the past few decades, various digital modelling techniques has been

used in the areas of design, such as digital imaging interior design, internal space layout

technology, synthesis technology, regional geometric modelling and so on.

Computer was mainly regarded as a primary drawing tool for the interior designer's

creation and work. After the year 2000, with new computer-aided design software such as

Sketchup and Bonzai3d, digital modelling can fully express interior designer's ideas and

creations in scheme conceptual stage. (Teng & Guo, 2011). They are more widely used in

interior designing and it has greatly improve designing work and reduce design cost.

Virtual Reality

Virtual reality (VR) can be also known as Virtual Interactive Environment (VIE). The

term had become popular at the beginning of 1990s. VIE is experienced using our senses such

as sight, sound and touch. One of the very fIrst attempts of using VR is as a visualization tool

in architectural walkthrough (Mazuryk & Gervautz, n.d.). Simple VIE is in the form of 3D

image in a computer, where users can explore the virtual environment interactively by

manipulating mouse or keyboard (A 3D interactive environment, 2012).

Development ofVR enables user to freely explore a design model. It has made interior

designing became an immersive and interactive experience. Users can view details from

various point ofviews, which gives the advantage of interpreting design models more precisely.

6

From 2D design to 3D modelling. Designing and modelling using the urban technique

(Le. computerized) is important. It needs to be easy to learn, remember and have rich features

using minimum key input. This allows the creation ofdigitalized models to be done effectively

and efficiently.

Digital modelling of house interior models started out with 2-dimensional (2D)

technology, as can be seen in using CAD. The use of the use of CAD in design process was

developed from the advancement in computer rendering and animation. 2D drawing software

such as AutoCAD complement the disadvantages of using sketching or physical models. It

provides 2D drafting and modelling. However, application of CAD in interior design is static,

which limits the interaction of the visual representation with users (Kim, n.d.) .

From the studies ofIndraprastha and Shinozaki (2009), it was found that CAD has some

disadvantages which limits 3D designs. These disadvantages include:

1. Functional deficiency, where the process 9f designing and visualizing are normally

separated. Its graphical projections has no functions with its design process.

2. Resources deficiency, where realism of computer rendering is limited by the resources

available. Design solutions are less effective and efficient as compared to other engines.

3. Technical deficiency, where CAD is considered outdated as compared with the technologies

available in 3D applications. For example, large scale texture mapping and dynamic lighting

are better performed using 3d softwares.

Later on, 3-dimensional VR design software are created, such as 3ds MAX, AutoCAD,

which bas brought about illustrative schematization. The process oftranslation from CAD into

VR can be seen in Figure 1.

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=

___________

I I !ie.!.!<ieti~.r~c!~~ ___CAD .. I

I I . • 11 I Drawing £ ...... Default ~ We I

I i Rendered I Render"" I1--­ lModel Model:

1­ ___________ ..! _... _

VR Package ,-----------­

'T Crude • I VR

•.1 Model .....

I

1­

3D CAD

l\.·fodel

------1---­

...........

Optimised I ,I 1

VR I

...!IM()dcl

'<downstream" translation process

Figure 1: Process from CAD into VR model

CAD are normally transform into VR 3D models by rendering process. It is a one-way

process that transform 2D visualization into 3D (Whyte, Bouchlaghem, Thorpe, & McCaffer,

2000). Transferring of geometric data will avoid repetitive work. It has a greater support for

the import and export of multiple file types as compared with basic VR systems (Moloney &

Amor, n.d.).

3D models of interior design environment are detailed representations of room created

from various visual information. A reliable 3D interior design requires careful blending of

physical qualities of lighting and texture. There should be accurate calculation of how light

interacts with shapes and surfaces of the virtual environment. Also, changing ofiighting in the

3D scene is an effective way to present the interior design dynamically (Wang et. aI, n.d.).

VR 3D category

VR in designing 3D models can be divided into 2 main categories, one is the VR system

that depends on low-level software libraries, the mote traditional system. It optimises the

interface between VR hardware (i.e. tracker systems, interactive input devices and so on) and

application logic. The other category is the VR environment that depends more on game

development software. It focuses on fast and easy to use implementation. Game software has

appear to be provide reliable and quality performance for designing 3D models according to

Schroener (2011). The following figure shows the 3D models with their level of reality.

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+

I Dynamic

"'I nt.raetlon

SUllie

VR ; 3DGIS GIS ~CAD I I I i

Physical : : I -1~~~~-----:-------------~----------- 1

t i :

i ! I AIIim~ia: ' i I

; I I

--------L---------i-----------.jf j t

CAD I ; I Stan: Radaing I

~----------~------------~----------~ Visual Visual -+ Attri~lte

. ..-------- Information ------..... +

Figure 2: 3D models with their level of reality

Choosing VR 3D software for 3D Design

There are many 3D design software in the technology field, to choose a suitable one, it

is important to consider whether the software can facilitate the design of models that can be a

3D viewer and 3D simulation with interaction features. Design study using 3D design software

has its factors to be consider, such as:

1. 3D environment creation that balances visual quality for real world representation. These

includes texture mapping, time-frame animation, lighting and shading.

2. System of navigation creation which enables users to explore with freedom. Maximum

degree offreedom is important to ensure exploration and also examination of objects can be

done in various perspectives of views in virtual environment.

3. Method to accommodate flexible 3D data exchange ensures whether the data is

interchangeable to external tool. To know the flexibility of the software to perform data

synchronization.

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Using VR 3D software for Virtual Interior Design

There are a few important aspects to consider to give user experience such as presence,

a subjective experience of users to felt of being in the virtual environment display. The focus

of presence in 3D modelling is on personal presence, where the concern is at user's experience

through the navigation of the 3D house interior. It should provide satisfactory user experience

when providing virtual home tours to users, which in hope to compare with the feel of actual

tour visit of homes.

Aside from that, navigation is considered. It is the benefit of using a game engine as

compared to basic CAD is the viability of navigation throughout the 3D models. There will be

interactions between users and objects in the virtual environment. This approach has allow

communication to occur between users (i.e. clients, designers) and the modelling representation.

Besides that, display is taken into account to ensure user presence is not affected by

quality of the 3D graphical representation of the environment, it is important to enable the

display ofvirtual environment to run smoothly without any latency. The design process should

also ensure there is no visual discomfort (i.e. uneven lighting, display), an experience that could

result in motion sickness. Information display within the virtual tour should have no visual

obstruction, where there should not be any blockage ofwhat users want to view. This avoid the

disruption of user experience in the virtual environment.

Game software in 3D Interior Design

Game development software set out as a new approach for interior design. It has the

ability to produce more remarkable results in interactivity and 3D graphics. Using gaming

software as a visualization tool, implementation time ofbuilding objects can be saved. Its built­

in functionalities can be reuse, such as rendering engines, navigations, and also interaction tools.

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The development of virtual environments are also faster and more high-level quality.

Faster compile time affects 3D model performance and development speed. It can be developed

without much latency. The balance between graphic performance and real-time simulation of

the software will demonstrate its advantage as compared to using a basic modelling software.

Moreover, it is known to be able to handle large scale texture mapping and dynamic lighting,

which provides a more realistic visualization for the users. Dynamic visualization is strongly

related to the amount ofgeometrical details ofthe objects in the virtual enviroment (Kim, n.d.).

Interactive Virtual Walkthrough

Animation representation to be done interactively using gaming software. Modelling of

house interiors requires various geometric objects. File size of 3D model increases with the

increase of the number of geometries (Kim, n.d.).

There are 3 types of animation representation techniques (lndraprastha & Shinozaki,

2009) when the 3D house models are intended to be presented animatedly. One of it is

conventional animation where users are spectator in the visualization. There is no interactivity

at all between users and the virtual world. The other type is interactive visualization using

authoring software where this type of technique is still static, but interaction can be done using

methods such as point-click. This technique is only in 2D animation. Last but not least, the

third technique is interactive visualization using game engine. The 3D designs that navigates

user can become dynamic, providing engagement and co.llaboration between users and the 3D

world created.

Although CAD tools can create 3D visuals, non-interactive 3D model will be hard for

interior design to fully express what they intend to display in their work. Interactive virtual

walkthrough gives user an experience of being in the virtual environment and explore the

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interiors freely. Besides that, it will help interior designers to see their work from the

perspective ofa user when they enter the room (Indraprastha & Shinozaki, 2009).

Unity3D. Unity3D is a virtual reality tool, a cross-platform game development software

(Kruetzberg, n.d.). This software is normally used for the development of games. Gaming

software and its design concept has the ability to represent a realistic virtual environment.

Unity3D can read native file format from other 3D software supports art assets and file formats

from 3ds Max, Maya, Softimage, Blender, Modo, ZBrush, Cinema 4D, Cheetah3D, Adobe

Photoshop, Adobe Fireworks and Allegorithmic Substance. Changes made to assets created in

the software automatically synchonize without the need to manually reimport (Kruetzberg, n.d.).

It also has rich built-in features and shaders that can increase the quality of graphical

representation ofobjects in the scene. Unity3D, being a VR game development software, enable

fast pre-visualization of the design at multiple scale levels (BOrger, 2013).

The use of Unity3D has been applied in fields such as architecture, entertainment, and

research. Previous research has a demonstrated the photo realistic power of using the software

as can be seen in virtual museums and recreation of London scene in the movie, Oblivion

(Schroener, 2011). It acts as a new approach for interior design practices.

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Figure 3: Interactive interior visualization using Unity3D software

Figure 4: Interior visualization using Unity3D software

Zacharias (2012) has also demonstrated the high quality rendered shots of interior

design using 3D design software. With various light placements, the model creates an illusion

of luxurious interiors.

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