Engineering design is a resource intensive process with over half of a product’s total cost being attributed to design stage decisions. Developing product designs often involves creating complex 3D models in a 2D environment, a non-trivial task. This paper details a proof of concept VR environment displayed in a commodity HMD, specifically the HTC Vive. The environment allows a user to create full-scale, 3D, product geometry at the conceptual phase of the design process. The conceptual design environment contains a World-in-Miniature (WIM) model for enhanced usability. This method allows a user to efficiently manipulate full-scale geometry by adjusting the corresponding parts on a WIM model. Free-form mesh deformation was also implemented to provide designers with flexibility and efficiency not found in traditional design packages. Vital design metrics (e.g., cost, weight, and center of mass) were incorporated to allow a user to perform preliminary design analysis to assess product feasibility. Throughout the development process, the unique challenges and affordances associated with commodity HMDs were identified, explored, and discussed in this paper. Ultimately, the VR application discussed in this paper allows the user to easily create, assess, and view conceptual 3D designs without the constraints of traditional CAD software.
References
[1]
Pahl, G., Beitz, W., Feldhusen, J. and Grote, K.H. (2007) Engineering Design: A Systematic Approach. Springer, Berlin. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-84628-319-2
[2]
Al-Salka, M.A., Cartmell, M.P. and Hardy, S.J. (1998) A Framework for a Generalized Computer-Based Support Environment for Conceptual Engineering Design. Journal of Engineering Design, 9, 57-85. https://doi.org/10.1080/095448298261679
[3]
Asiedu, Y. and Gu, P. (1998) Product Life Cycle Cost Analysis: State of the Art Review. International Journal of Production Research, 36, 883-908. https://doi.org/10.1080/002075498193444
[4]
Wang, L., Shen, W., Xie, H., Neelamkavil, J. and Pardasani, A. (2002) Collaborative Conceptual Design—State of the Art and Future Trends. CAD Computer Aided Design, 34, 981-996. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0010-4485(01)00157-9
[5]
Robertson, B.F. and Radcliffe, D.F. (2009) Impact of CAD Tools on Creative Problem Solving in Engineering Design. CAD Computer Aided Design, 41, 136-146. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cad.2008.06.007
[6]
Piegl, L.A. (2005) Ten Challenges in Computer-Aided Design. CAD Computer Aided Design, 37, 461-470. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cad.2004.08.012
[7]
Hsu, W. and Liu, B. (2000) Conceptual Design: Issues and Challenges. Computer-Aided Design, 32, 849-850. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0010-4485(00)00074-9
[8]
Salzman, M.C., Dede, C., Loftin, R.B. and Chen, J. (1999) A Model for Understanding How Virtual Reality Aids Complex Conceptual Learning. Presence: Teleoperators and Virtual Environments, 8, 293-316. https://doi.org/10.1162/105474699566242
Noon, C., Zhang, R., Winer, E., Oliver, J., Gilmore, B. and Duncan, J. (2012) A System for Rapid Creation and Assessment of Conceptual Large Vehicle Designs Using Immersive Virtual Reality. Computers in Industry, 63, 500-512. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compind.2012.02.003
[11]
Bargar, A., Kulas, D., Poston, A., Richardson, T., Oren, M., Ph, D., Yilmaz, S., et al. (2011) Comparing ASDS to Existing Software For Engineering Conceptual Design, 3-8.
[12]
Berta, J. (1999) Integrating VR and CAD. IEEE Computer Graphics and Applications, 19, 14-19. https://doi.org/10.1109/38.788793
[13]
Havig, P., McIntire, J. and Geiselman, E. (2011) Virtual Reality in a Cave: Limitations and the Need for HMDs? Head- and Helmet-Mounted Displays XVI: Design and Applications, Vol. 8041, Article ID: 804107. https://doi.org/10.1117/12.883855
[14]
Lau, H.Y.K., Mak, K.L. and Lu, M.T.H. (2003) A Virtual Design Platform for Interactive Product Design and Visualization. Journal of Materials Processing Technology, 139, 402-407. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0924-0136(03)00510-7
[15]
Berg, L.P. and Vance, J.M. (2017) An Industry Case Study: Investigating Early Design Decision Making in Virtual Reality. Journal of Computing and Information Science in Engineering, 17, Article ID: 011001. https://doi.org/10.1115/1.4034267
[16]
Renner, A., Thompson, F., Kalivarapu, V., Winer, E., Oliver, J., Gilmore, B. and Silver, D. (2015) An Application of Conceptual Design and Multidisciplinary Analysis Transitioning to Detailed Design Stages. 16th AIAA/ISSMO Multidisciplinary Analysis and Optimization Conference, Vol. 6, 1-13. https://doi.org/10.2514/6.2015-2647
[17]
Strong, S. and Smith, R. (2001) Spatial Visualization: Fundamentals and Trends in Engineering Graphics. Journal of Industrial Technology, 18, 1-6.
[18]
Rapp, D.N. (2005) Mental Models: Theoretical Issues for Visualizations in Science Education. In: Visualization in Science Education, Springer Netherlands, Dordrecht, 43-60. https://doi.org/10.1007/1-4020-3613-2_4
[19]
Casas, L.A.A., Bridi, V.L. and Fialho, F.A.P. (1997) Virtual Reality Full Immersion Techniques for Enhancing Workers Performance. In: Re-Engineering for Sustainable Industrial Production, Springer, Berlin, 399-411. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-35086-8_34
[20]
Broek, E., Meijer, F., Landman, R. and Broek, E. (2010) Augmenting Mental Models. CyberTherapy & Rehabilitation, 3, 19-21.
[21]
Buede, D.M. (2008) The Engineering Design of Systems: Models and Methods: Second Edition. Wiley, Hoboken.
[22]
Boothroyd, G. (1994) Product Design for Manufacture and Assembly. Computer-Aided Design, 26, 505-520. https://doi.org/10.1016/0010-4485(94)90082-5
[23]
Mathieu, J.E., Goodwin, G.F., Heffner, T.S., Salas, E. and Cannon-Bowers, J.A. (2000) The Influence of Shared Mental Models on Team Process and Performance. Journal of Applied Psychology, 85, 273-283. https://doi.org/10.1037/0021-9010.85.2.273
[24]
Van Boven, L. and Thompson, L. (2003) A Look into the Mind of the Negotiator: Mental Models in Negotiation. Group Processes & Intergroup Relations, 6, 387-404. https://doi.org/10.1177/13684302030064005
[25]
Barton, J.A., Love, D.M. and Taylor, G.D. (2001) Design Determines 70% of Cost? A Review of Implications for Design Evaluation. Journal of Engineering Design, 12, 47-58. https://doi.org/10.1080/09544820010031553
[26]
Lyu, J., Chang, L.-Y., Cheng, C.-K. and Lin, C.-H. (2006) A Case Study Approach on the Development of Design Chain Operations Reference-Model in the Mold Industry. International Journal of Electronic Business Management, 4, 113-122.
[27]
Tyagi, S. and Vadrevu, S. (2015) Immersive Virtual Reality to Vindicate the Application of Value Stream Mapping in an US-Based SME. International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology, 81, 1259-1272. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00170-015-7301-1
[28]
Mujber, T.S., Szecsi, T. and Hashmi, M.S.J. (2004) Virtual Reality Applications in Manufacturing Process Simulation. Journal of Materials Processing Technology, 155-156, 1834-1838. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmatprotec.2004.04.401
[29]
Choi, S.S., Kim, B.H. and Do Noh, S. (2015) A Diagnosis and Evaluation Method for Strategic Planning and Systematic Design of a Virtual Factory in Smart Manufacturing Systems. International Journal of Precision Engineering and Manufacturing, 16, 1107-1115. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12541-015-0143-9
[30]
Bowman, D., Kruijff, E., LaViola Jr., J.J. and Poupyrev, I. (2004) 3D User Interfaces: Theory and Practice. CourseSmart eTextbook. https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=JYzmCkf7yNcC&pgis=1
[31]
Satter, K. and Butler, A. (2015) Competitive Usability Analysis of Immersive Virtual Environments in Engineering Design Review. Journal of Computing and Information Science in Engineering, 15, Article ID: 031001. https://doi.org/10.1115/1.4029750
[32]
Bochenek, G.M. and Ragusa, J.M. (2004) Improving Integrated Project Team Interaction through Virtual (3d) Collaboration. Engineering Management Journal, 16, 3-12. https://doi.org/10.1080/10429247.2004.11415243
[33]
Chopra, A. and Town, L. (2008) Introduction to Google SketchUp. Wiley Pathways, xxviii, 452 p., 16 p. of Plates. https://www.google.com/books/edition/_/bP2oF0_Uc0YC?hl=en&gbpv=0
[34]
Zolotova, J., Vatin, N., Tuchkevich, E. and Rechinsky, A. (2015) Autodesk Revit-Key to Successful Training of Highly Qualified Civil Engineers. Applied Mechanics and Materials, 725-726, 1617-1625. https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMM.725-726.1617
[35]
Nguyen, T.H., Shehab, T. and Gao, Z. (2010) Evaluating Sustainability of Architectural Designs Using Building Information Modeling. The Open Construction and Building Technology Journal, 4, 1-8. https://doi.org/10.2174/18748368010040100001
[36]
Bowman, D. and McMahan, R.P. (2007) Virtual Reality: How Much Immersion Is Enough? Computer, 40, 36-43. https://doi.org/10.1109/MC.2007.257
[37]
Kalivarapu, V., Macallister, A., Hoover, M., Sridhar, S., Schlueter, J., Civitate, A., Chernoff, G., et al. (2015) Game-Day Football Visualization Experience on Dissimilar Virtual Reality Platforms. Proceedings of SPIE—The International Society for Optical Engineering, Vol. 9392, 939202. https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2083250
[38]
McMahan, R.P., Gorton, D., Gresock, J., McConnell, W. and Bowman, D.A. (2006) Separating the Effects of Level of Immersion and 3D Interaction Techniques. Proceedings of the ACM Symposium on Virtual Reality Software and Technology, Limassol, 1-3 November 2006, 108-111. https://doi.org/10.1145/1180495.1180518
[39]
DeFanti, T.A., Dawe, G., Sandin, D.J., Schulze, J.P., Otto, P., Girado, J., Rao, R., et al. (2009) The StarCAVE, a Third-Generation CAVE and Virtual Reality OptIPortal. Future Generation Computer Systems, 25, 169-178. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.future.2008.07.015
[40]
DigitalTrends (2019) Oculus Rift vs. HTC Vive. Spec Comparison. Digital Trends. Digital Trends Website. https://www.digitaltrends.com/virtual-reality/oculus-rift-vs-htc-vive
[41]
Hotelling, I.S., Huppi, B.Q., Strickon, J.A., Kerr, D.R., Chaudhri, I., Christie, G. and Ive, J.P. (2017) Mode-Based Graphical User Interfaces for Touch Sensitive Input Devices. 1-5.
[42]
Hand, C. (1997) A Survey of 3D Interaction Techniques. Computer Graphics Forum, 16, 269-281. https://doi.org/10.1111/1467-8659.00194
[43]
Billinghurst, M., Baldis, S., Matheson, L. and Philips, M. (1997) 3D Palette. In: Proceedings of the ACM Symposium on Virtual Reality Software and Technology, ACM Press, New York, 155-156. https://doi.org/10.1145/261135.261163
[44]
Pausch, R., Burnette, T., Brockway, D. and Weiblen, M.E. (1995) Navigation and Locomotion in Virtual Worlds via Flight into Hand-Held Miniatures. In: Proceedings of the ACM SIGGRAPH Conference on Computer Graphics, ACM Press, New York, 399-400. https://doi.org/10.1145/218380.218495
[45]
Wingrave, C.A., Haciahmetoglu, Y. and Bowman, D.A. (2006) Overcoming World in Miniature Limitations by a Scaled and Scrolling WIM. 3DUI 2006: IEEE Symposium on 3D User Interfaces 2006 Proceedings, Vol. 2006, 11-16.
[46]
Coquillart, S. (1990) Extended Free-Form Deformation: A Sculpturing Tool for 3D Geometric Modeling. ACM SIGGRAPH Computer Graphics, 24, 187-196. https://doi.org/10.1145/97880.97900
[47]
Sederberg, T.W. and Parry, S.R. (1986) Free-Form Deformation of Solid Geometric Models. Proceedings of the 13th Annual Conference on Computer Graphics and Interactive Techniques, Vol. 20, 151-160. https://doi.org/10.1145/15922.15903
[48]
Gonzalez Hidalgo, M., Mir Torres, A. and Varona Gomez, J. (2013) Deformation Models: Tracking, Animation and Applications. Lecture Notes in Computational Vision and Biomechanics, Vol. 7, Springer, Berlin. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-5446-1
[49]
De Araújo, B.R., Casiez, G., Jorge, J.A. and Hachet, M. (2013) Mockup Builder: 3D Modeling on and above the Surface. Computers and Graphics, 37, 165-178. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cag.2012.12.005
[50]
Hsu, W. and Woon, I.M.Y. (1998) Current Research in the Conceptual Design of Mechanical Products. CAD Computer Aided Design, 30, 377-389. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0010-4485(97)00101-2
[51]
Khandani, S. (2005) Engineering Design Process: Education Transfer Plan. https://dphu.org/uploads/attachements/books/books_2547_0.pdf
