Using DinoVR for Point Cloud Data
By: Mandy He (3/2022)
Tutorial purpose: This tutorial allows you to easily visualize simple 3D coordinates using DinoVR.
Note that the three files you need to change are active-dataset.out, dataset.out (this is in the 59k_4layer folder), and 59k_4layer.config
Software & Hardware needed: SteamVR, Steam, Windows OS or Paperspace virtual machine, Oculus Headset, code editor/IDE*
*Note that you do not need a code editor/IDE if you already have your data in the correct format
Dataset Format:
Make sure that your data is in this format:
<pointid1> [x1] [y1] [z1] <pointid2> [x2] [y2] [z2] ...
Note: Although I wrote a script that put each point on a separate line, the points seemed to be all on one line on my Paperspace machine. The points displayed fine on my headset regardless; hence, I do not believe that it is necessary to have each point on a separate line.
Tutorial:
Go to the DinoVR tutorial and download the zip file. Extract all contents of the zip file and rename the folder something related to your visualization.
Note that the three files you need to change are active-dataset.out, dataset.out (this is in the 59k_4layer folder), and 59k_4layer.config
3. In 59k_4layer.config, leave the Surface and Foot fields blank:
Data=59k_4layer/dataset.out
Distances=59k_4layer/dataset.out
Clusters=
Pathlines=
Surface=59k_4layer/4layers.tris
Foot=feet.feet
Scale=20
freezeStep=0
direction=0
4. Replace the contents in active-dataset.out and dataset.out (this is in the 59k_4layer folder) with your correctly formatted data
5. Next, run setup.bat by double clicking on the file and type in your name and AppID in their respective places
At this point, DinoVR should be ready to visualize your data!
Follow the "Starting Dino VR" section of the DinoVR Tutorial to see your visualization on your headset!
Troubleshooting:
I can't see any of my data in my headset and I don't think I did anything wrong!
Your points might be scattered too far away from each other. Try normalizing your data.
Why does my data look kind of odd?
Make sure that each pointId is an integer and not a float of sorts (the actual coordinate points most likely will be floats)
Why won't SteamVR work?
Make sure to only launch SteamVR from your headset.