Hello XR Devs! 🚀 Today’s tutorial dives into the essential feature of environment occlusion in mixed reality applications, focusing on Meta Quest’s Depth API. We’ll explore various methods to achieve occlusion effects, catering to both Meta Quest 3 users and those without depth sensors.
Find the GitHub samples from Meta here!
🛠️ Setting Up for Success
Ensure your project is correctly set up with the Meta XR SDK. If you’re new to this, check out the Meta Quest setup video for guidance. The goal is to occlude virtual objects behind real-world elements like walls and furniture, enhancing user immersion.
🎨 Shaders for Non-Depth Sensor Devices
For those without a Meta Quest 3, shaders offer a solution. After setting up your scene with Meta Building Blocks (including OVR Camera Rig, Passthrough layer, and Room Model), apply the built-in “VR Occlusion” shader to your surfaces. Test this setup with a simple cube and the Ball Spawner logic from a previous tutorial on Passthrough Relighting.
🤖 Depth API for Meta Quest 3
Meta Quest 3 users can leverage the Depth API for more accurate occlusion. Update your Oculus XR Plugin to the experimental version (4.2.0-exp-env-depth.2) supporting Depth API and install the necessary packages. Apply the “Environment Depth Occlusion” prefab and use the “Occlusion Lit” shader from the Depth API package on objects you want occluded.
🌟 Exploring Occlusion Modes and Features
Discover the versatility of the Depth API by experimenting with hard and soft occlusion modes. Hard occlusion is less GPU-intensive but visually less appealing, while soft occlusion offers a smoother experience at a higher computational cost. Use the “Per Object Occlusion” feature to apply different occlusion types within the same scene for a tailored experience.
🎥 Conclusion: Elevating Mixed Reality with Depth API
The Depth API opens new possibilities for creating coherent and immersive mixed reality experiences. Whether using shaders for non-depth sensor devices or the advanced capabilities of the Depth API for Meta Quest 3, developers now have powerful tools to blend virtual and real worlds seamlessly.
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