Coupling of interactive manufacturing operations simulation and immersive virtual reality

Abstract

This paper presents a novel general-purpose simulation analysis application that combines concurrent operations simulation with the advanced data interrogation and user interaction capabilities of immersive virtual reality systems. The application allows for interactive modification of the simulation parameters, while providing the users with the available simulation information by effectively placing the operator in the midst of the environment being simulated. The major contribution of this research is the total integration of the immersive virtual reality environment with the simulation, allowing users in the environment to interactively change the inputs to the simulation as it is running. Implementation and functionality details of the developed application are presented. The experience of using the application to analyze a manufacturing operation in a collaborative scenario is also discussed. AbstractThis paper presents a novel general-purpose simulation analysis application that combines concurrent operations simulation with the advanced data interrogation and user interaction capabilities of immersive virtual reality systems. The application allows for interactive modification of the simulation parameters, while providing the users with the available simulation information by effectively placing the operator in the midst of the environment being simulated. The major contribution of this research is the total integration of the immersive virtual reality environment with the simulation, allowing users in the environment to interactively change the inputs to the simulation as it is running. Implementation and functionality details of the developed application are presented. The experience of using the application to analyze a manufacturing operation in a collaborative scenario is also discussed.

Manufacturing system design with virtual factory tools

“…A direct link of simulations to an immersive virtual environment, allowing user interaction and changes during the simulation process, offers high potential for exploring complex interactions between users, objects and operations (Dorozhkin et al 2010). Therefore, VR is a reliable platform for several virtual factory tools and suitable to support a wide range of applications.…”

Discrete Event Simulation and Virtual Reality Use in Industry: New Opportunities and Future Trends

“…Although VE mainly concentrates on the use and manipulation of 3-D CAD models, the integration approach detailed by Ghani et al [38], [39] could be applied to DES and VR. The possibility to change simulation parameters while a simulation is running via an AR environment is the subject that is explored by Dorozhkin et al [40]. Dorozhkin et al [40] were able to achieve temporally coupled concurrent simulation allowing users to interactively start and stop the simulation and change parameters such as inserting new time steps [40].…”

“…The possibility to change simulation parameters while a simulation is running via an AR environment is the subject that is explored by Dorozhkin et al [40]. Dorozhkin et al [40] were able to achieve temporally coupled concurrent simulation allowing users to interactively start and stop the simulation and change parameters such as inserting new time steps [40]. Dorozhkin et al [40] also noted that the VR application did slow down over the time it was in use, and their next stage of research was to work toward near real-time operation of the combined system.…”

Spatial Mapping in virtuellen Umgebungen

“…in der (Tele-)Medizin (Cohen, A. R. et al, 2013), Katastrophenschutz (Farra, Miller, Timm & Schafer, 2013) oder Fahrzeugtraining (Bayarri, Fernandez & Perez, 1996). Weiterhin wird VR bei der Visualisierung von Planung und Konstruktionen (Dorozhkin, Vance, Rehn & Lemessi, 2010) und Therapien (Goncalves, Pedrozo, Coutinho, Figueira & Ventura, 2012) Die eingesetzte VR-Anlage ist für die Tischtennissimulation optimiert (Rusdorf, Brunnett, Lorenz & Winkler, 2007) (Csikszentmihalyi, 1975 (Pietschmann & Rusdorf, 2014).…”