A method for converting high energy physics detector description into a Unity visualization

TL;DR

This paper introduces an automated method to convert high energy physics detector descriptions into Unity-compatible 3D models, facilitating better visualization for design, analysis, and outreach.

Contribution

It presents a novel conversion framework that transforms GDML, Geant4, ROOT, and DD4hep detector descriptions into standardized FBX models for Unity.

Findings

Enables direct visualization of HEP detectors in Unity.

Supports multiple detector description formats.

Facilitates detector design verification and public engagement.

Abstract

Detector visualization plays a vital role in high energy physics (HEP) experiments, yet existing detector descriptions, such as GDML, lack compatibility with industrial 3D tools. We present an automated conversion framework that transforms four major HEP detector descriptions, including GDML, Geant4, ROOT and DD4hep, into standardized FBX models compatible with a industrial 3D platform called Unity. This solution enables HEP detectors to be directly visualized in the professional 3D ecosystem, which is of great help for detector design verification, event display development, and public participation.