Characteristics of Mixed Reality Technology and Its Application in Engineering Fields

Abstract

Mixed reality, or MR, is a technology that incorporates information from real scenes in a virtual environment, allowing the actual and virtual worlds to be linked to enhance the realism of the user experience. With the rapid development of the 5G network and communication technology, MR technology has been used on a larger scale in every industry in the future. This study analyzes its use in engineering and non-engineering domains, discussing its benefits and drawbacks. MR can be used for data sharing and efficient communication, assisting workers in understanding and guiding their operation, and facilitating project management. However, its disadvantages include unreal images, delayed tracking, restricted condition for the environment, unsatisfactory user experience, and high costs. In non-engineering fields, MR is mainly applied to simulation, real-time interaction and so on in the military, medical science and education fields. The application of MR technology in engineering fields is mainly about construction, disaster management, and prevention. It enhances the work efficiency for construction by allowing 3D visualization of concealed or complex structure, and timely annotation. It eliminates risks for disaster management and prevention by conducting simulated drills, and optimizing escape routines.