Micro-Simulation
Function to Display
Textual Data in Virtual
Reality
Wael A. Abdelhameed

international journal of architectural computing

issue 02, volume 10

205

Micro-Simulation Function to Display Textual Data
in Virtual Reality
Wael A. Abdelhameed

Abstract
Virtual reality creates an effective communication platform with a highdegree of perception and exploration, increasing the benefits of VR
applied functions.This research paper reports a virtual reality functionof using the micro-simulation editor-player with XML file in the virtual
reality environment.The details of the function are presented.The
function aiming at combining visual and textual data in VR modelvisualisation, was developed by the researcher, and was included in the
micro-simulation plug-in of a virtual reality program,VR Studio version
6, previously known as UC-Win/Road, by the program developers.The
research paper discusses the computer simulation techniques and uses
in virtual reality in general.The research paper proceeds to introduce acase study of construction process visualization in the virtual reality
environment, in which the newly developed function is utilized tosimultaneously visualise data reports related to the stages of VR modelvisualisation.The concluding remarks accentuate this micro-simulation
function with its potential uses in different fields.
Keywords: Micro-Simulation, XML,Virtual Reality, Construction
Process Visualisation

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1. INTRODUCTION
Micro-simulation is a category of computerized micro-analytic tools that
perform highly detailed analysis of activities such as traffic and transport
planning, monument areas preservation and restoration, or damage
spreading earthquake/hurricane through a certain area. Micro-simulation isoften used to evaluate the effects of proposed interventions before they are
implemented in the real world. Micro-simulation differs from types ofcomputer modelling in that it looks at the interaction of individual units
such as vehicles, pedestrians or structural elements – as applied by thisresearch.
The concern had initially brought to macro-simulation models by thelate 1960s and early 1970s, where macro-simulations of feedback processes
in industries and global populations were applied through computing
technology (Luk, 2006).These macro-simulation models used differential
equations to predict population distributions as holistic functions of othersystematic factors such as urban traffic, migration, and disease transmission.
The feedback conclusions discredited the field by demonstrating the extent
to which results of the models are highly sensitive to the specificquantitative assumptions. Micro-simulation models therefore were brought
to concern as a result of increasing skepticism about employing
computational tools to make predictions about macro-level behavior(Leduc, 2008).
In micro-simulation models, forecasts and policy study effects are madeby modelling aggregate changes in state of individual-level entities rather
than changes in distribution at the population level. Although microsimulation models do not permit individuals to interact, these models havebeen widely recognised since the middle of 1970s (Merz, 1994).

2. SIMULATION TECHNIQUES
Simulation techniques can be broadly classified into the following four types:- Analytical: this technique relates directly to the attributes of different
units/models in simulation modelling that govern these unit/model
behaviours. For example, the attributes in traffic flow theory can be a
set of equations of driver behaviour such as gap acceptance, lanechanging, or car following. The combination of analytical models canconstitute a more complex analytical tool. Individual sets of analyticalequations can also act as sub-models in other simulation techniques.
- Microscopic: the movement of a unit/model in a microscopic
simulation can be set up through a certain position/area over certain
time at a small time increment of a fraction of a second. For example,
a detailed simulation of vehicle-road interaction under the influence ofa control measure is therefore possible. By using more computational
resources, this technique is useful for a wide range of applications.

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-

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Random/stochastic number generators are involved so that it isdifficult to optimise model parameters, for example signal settings intraffic. In a different application path, a detailed construction processwith a proposed schedule can be visually represented through microsimulation that is controlled by XML file. Modifications in the proposedschedule under the influence of any emergent requirements could be
easily applied in the XML file and then be visualized (Abdelhameed,2012).
Macroscopic: units/models in a macroscopic simulation are no longer
simulated individually. Unit movements/behaviours are often simulated
as packets or bunches in an area with a time step of one or several
seconds. An analytical model can be used to govern the movement ofa unit/model. A macroscopic simulation is deterministic by nature andis useful for network design and optimisation.
Hybrid: this technique is sometimes known as mesoscopic simulation.
It combines a detailed microscopic simulation of some key
components of a unit/model (e.g. intersection operations) withanalytical models (e.g. speed flow relationships for traffic assignment).
The unit/model in this technique can represent more than one
purpose/assignment to be studied/visualised.

3. MICRO-SIMULATION APPLICATIONS
The micro-simulation player is a feature in the VR environment to play
animations of various types of simulations, which are expressed through the
movement of 3D models.The aim of micro-simulation player is to present
results to users through the installation of the plug-in for the reproductionof simulation results from other applications, which are defined in the XML
file format.The micro-simulation player enables the VR program to be easily
linked with all traffic micro simulations (cars and trains).
At the beginning use of micro-simulation, it was broadly employed in theengineering discipline for traffic and road studies. Micro-simulation manifests
its ability in modelling road vehicles including signal coordination, one-way
systems, different types of intersection control, signal priority and driver
information systems. In addition, trams, pedestrians and cyclists can also be
simulated.The widest application of micro-simulations is to visually
represent predicted traffic behaviour through 3D animation.
A record containing a unique identifier and a set of associated attributes
control each unit within the model during simulation, e.g. a list of vehicles
with known origins, destinations and operational characteristics. Each unit istreated as an autonomous entity and the interaction of the units is allowedvary depending on stochastic/randomized parameters.These parameters areintended to represent the real or proposed preferences and tendencies. For
example, in a traffic model some drivers are cautious and have a large gap

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before turning, while others are aggressive and feel comfortable with small
gaps.
In recent years, the synergy between information technologies and trafficengineering has enabled a new generation of micro-simulation models now
available for road and transport managers to analyse complex traffic
operations. Further advances are being made in using micro-simulation withthe merging of micro-simulation model data with cinematic quality 3D
animation and with virtual reality. Stochastic/randomized parameters
employed within the model are also being shifted to controlled parameters
by using XML file.

3.1. Main Specifications
The main specifications of micro-simulation can be summarized as follows,- 3D animation function: Animation of 3D models saved in the publicly
available XML file format.Various types of 3D model animations can becreated based on the model’s location information. It enables to run
several data at the same time.
- Control of visual effects for objects: Movement commands, state oftraffic lights, transparency, MD3 character animation, Figure 1.
- Control of existing objects: Static objects such as traffic lights can becontrolled, Figure 1.
- Control of visual options:Time, weather, light, etc.
- Optimal integration with the functions of VR program: Traffic, script,
camera mode, Figure 2.
 Figure 1, Images of micro-simulation
function Windows, taken from theresearch application of construction
visualisation.

a- Preview Window

b- Model Profile Editor Window

3.2. Use in the construction Process
The micro-simulation player facilitates the change of model-parts order inthe visualisation process.The possible modifications of the construction
process can be identified based on the structural/constructional logic, andaccordingly be applied in the visualisation process. At any modification of theconstruction process, units presenting the structural elements and theMicro-Simulation Function to Display Textual Data in Virtual Reality

209construction reports, therefore, can be easily modified in the XML filethrough their parameters.
 Figure 2, Micro-Simulation EditorPlayer Window.

Using the XML file with the micro-simulation player enables easily applying
modifications.The parameters of units can be changed to reform the VRmodel and its associated reports based on any scenario of the construction
process. A computer programming background, but not advanced, is needed
to change the unit parameters.

4. XML FILE WITHIN MICRO-SIMULATION
The technique of micro-simulation, or simulating the movement of individual
units, has long been used for traffic analysis and transport solution
identification.These applications are often complex, congested situations
that are normally beyond the domain of analysis using conventional
analytical or macroscopic modelling procedures. However, anothertechnique employing less analysis and benefiting from real-time potential of
VR can be applied. A VR application through which micro-simulation and
XML file are employed in project management scheduling was introduced tovisualise the construction process (Abdelhameed, 2012).The potentials of
VR model in visualization and communication were the focus of thisforegoing research application, rather than the process of using microsimulation and XML file.
VR Studio version 6, the VR Program of Forum8 Company, adapted the
new VR function for viewing the textual data. Using the VR technique of
micro-simulation and XML file in visualizing the construction process will be
the focus of my research, which proceeds to present details of this new VR
function.

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4.1. Research TechniqueThrough the technique presented by this research, different computer
programs are employed to construct the VR model.The following partdescribes steps of the modelling process.The model consists of parts which
can be created by a computer modelling program e.g. 3ds max.These model
parts are uploaded in the VR program as separated model parts with theirposition parameters according to the terrain area used and presented in the
VR program.The data reports made by a database program e.g. MS Accessor a project management program e.g. Primavera, are also uploaded in the
VR program as images.The XML file role is to control visualisation ofmodels and reports through their time parameters, which are controlled
and processed by the time function of micro-simulation player. Figure 3
shows a diagram of the process of using the structural groups and theconstruction reports in the XML file within the micro-simulation player.
Although a computer function can be developed to read the textual dataand present them as text not images, this method was not adapted by the
researcher whereas the goal is to build up a connection between different
computer programs, rather to develop a function whose output can be
replaced by existed functions of other commercial programs. Anotherreason is the time and labor required to develop such a function.

 Figure 3, A diagram shows adding
textual data to the VR model for
construction visualisation

Micro-Simulation Function to Display Textual Data in Virtual Reality2114.2. XML File for the Construction Process
In this part, the research presents the algorithmic process of constructing
the XML file.The movement and status of all 3D models in a scene aredefined in the XML format for saving animation data. 3D meshes of themodels are not stored in the XML file, but a link to the associated 3Dmodel parts is.The textual data, the newly applied by this research, are dealt
with in the XML file as units. Additionally, it is possible to set weather, timeand other visual effects.
A playlist can be created to play more than one XML file at the sametime.The playlist has a time offset for each item and can be usedsimultaneously for multiple datasets. Moving objects are created in place andmove based on a linear interpolation of location coordinates. During
simulation, traffic flow is set to on. In addition, long distance simulations
over short time periods and high-speed playback of low-speed movements
are also available. However, the technique adapted by this research is lesscomplex and applies only one XML file with a database set of model parts.
In the algorithms of XML file, the units are the structural elements anddata of the construction process.The proposed scheme/scenario can be
modified through changing the unit attributes enabling laypeople e.g.
politicians and the general public to effectively compare between theimpacts of different schemes/scenarios.
4.2.1. Structural Elements
The structural elements are grouped according to the construction process
proposed in the project schedule.The XML file includes the groups ofstructural elements with possible alternatives as units of the VR model inorder to facilitate the visualization of any construction process modification.
Attributes and parameters of these units are specified in the XML file interms of location and time through which these units are visualised in the
VR model, Figure 4.
4.2.2. Construction Process Reports
The contribution of the VR function adapted by the VR Studio version 6 isto display textual information simultaneously with visualisation of theconstruction stages. In the VR function, the textual information can beconstruction process reports or other data required by users.These
reports are visually displayed in a separate window of the VR Program. Eachreport is displayed during the visualisation stage of the related structuralgroup/unit, Figure 5.

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Wael A. Abdelhameed Figure 4, A part of the XML fileused in the application of construction
process visualisation

Attributes and parameters of reports are specified in terms of the timeused in the visulisation process.The reports are processed in the VR
program and its micro-simulation plug-in as images.

5. AN APPLICATION OF THE NEW VR FUNCTION Figure 5,Two screenshots of the VR
Program, showing the window ofdisplayed data which can be controlled
by the user during visualisation

A new administration building of the University of Bahrain is used tomanifest advantages of the new VR function in construction visualization,
Figure 6.This application of the VR function concentrates on using thedisplayed data on construction monitoring.
In case of any proposed change in the construction process, updated
images of new reports are uploaded in the VR program, and attributes of
the report images are modified in the XML file based on the construction
modification proposed.

Micro-Simulation Function to Display Textual Data in Virtual Reality213

 Figure 6, Images fromone camera position
showing someconstruction stages with
their related data

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Wael A. Abdelhameed

5.1. Construction Monitoring
Construction monitoring aims to providing a brief summary of theconstruction activities, identifying construction stages, any problem areas,
unauthorized impacts, and corrective actions. Construction monitoring
specifies if changes are proposed to the permitted impacts or site plan.
Detailed information is to be provided in the main report. As part ofconstruction monitoring, photographs are used in the reports to visuallydescribe different stages. Based on this interpretation, the data displayed
should not be fixed in order to satisfy and conform any model, project,situation, stage, or schema/modification.
The construction process of the new administration building has notbeen started.Therefore, the research application can help in displaying the
proposal plan for the laypeople and decision makers.

5.2. Displayed Data
Using the reports created by any project management program is one
method. Another method however is proposed by the research, throughusing certain data made by a database program.The flexibility of thismethod, which can fulfill any project or scenario is achieved by displaying
construction data associated with other data related to the project andrequired by the users.
What data should be displayed in the research application used by theEngineering Office of the University of Bahrain? A proposal was sent to anumber of CEOs and project engineers, not to conduct a survey as this is
not the research concern, but to have their inputs to be used in theuniversity project, Figure 7. According to the point of view of theresearcher, the displayed data have to be flexible for different uses, as
discussed earlier, consequently different images from various programs canbe used.

 Figure 7, the proposal/data used inthe VR model of the newadministration building

Micro-Simulation Function to Display Textual Data in Virtual Reality215

6. SUMMARY AND DISCUSSION
The developed VR function was introduced and discussed. Employing thisfunction in a VR program, the UC-Win/Road Program, the researchpresented an application of the construction process of a new building inorder to highlight contributions and advantages that can be provided to theusers. Other benefits can be achieved in the construction visualisation
through navigating the model at any construction stage, Figure 8.

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Wael A. Abdelhameed

 Figure 8, Screenshots of building
interiors and exteriors during one
displayed data window, showing the VR
navigation through the model while
micro-simulation pause.

The new function has potentials in different disciplines for example
traffic and transport simulation. Certain displayed data of vehicles, traffic
lights, road intersections, or road traffic densities can have such importancein VR visualisation.These displayed data enables the VR model to be more
informative and effective in terms of different uses.
There are complex traffic processes and traffic flow theories, such as
adaptive signal control algorithms, incident management strategies, active
bus/tram priority and driver information systems, which are often unable toaccurately predict the impacts in terms of delay, queue length, travel times,
fuel consumption and pollutant emissions. A real-time interactive function
can be added to the displayed data function which introduces an effective
tool for prediction and communication.
Other areas in traffic and transport simulations such as the algorithms ofcar-following and lane changing simulations, and the comparison ofmacroscopic and microscopic simulations can utilize data displayed for
different functions within the simulation process. Meaningful results can beinteractively shown especially in the lane changing behaviour in congested
conditions, which enable idea emerging and solution evaluation.
A non-proprietary XML file schema can enable the exchange ofsimulation results between software programs. Using the micro-simulation
player, traffic, pedestrian and other micro-simulation data from leading
micro-simulation softwares can be imported into the VR environment for
3D Visual Interactive Simulation. Adding textual data interactively displayedin the 3D Visual Simulation enriches the visualisation process.
Of other disciplines that can employ micro-simulation with textual data
through XML, urban designing and urban planning have areas such as ruralroad operations and building height schemes that can be accurately
evaluated and effectively displayed through such simulations.
In general, simulation applications have a wide range in engineering,architecture and urban fields. Using textual data inside these simulations
empowers visualisation functions and results with the associatedinformation. Achieving real-time interaction in the displayed data function
through micro-simulation of the visualisation process will effectively
contribute more in the communications of laypeople, stakeholders anddecision makers.

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Wael A. Abdelhameed
University of Bahrain
PO Box 32038, Isa Town
wael.abdelhameed@gmail.com

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