Evaluating the effectiveness of visualization techniques for schematic diagrams in maintenance tasks

Abstract

In order to perform daily maintenance and repair tasks in complex electrical and mechanical systems, technicians commonly utilize a large number of diagrams and documents detailing system properties in both electronic and print formats. In electronic document views, users typically are only provided with traditional pan and zoom features; however, recent advances in information visualization and illustrative rendering styles should allow users to analyze documents in a more timely and accurate fashion. In this paper, we evaluate the effectiveness of rendering techniques focusing on methods of document/diagram highlighting, distortion, and navigation while preserving contextual information between related diagrams. We utilize our previously developed interactive visualization system (SDViz) for technical diagrams for a series of quantitative studies and an in-field evaluation of the system in terms of usability and usefulness. In the quantitative studies, subjects perform small tasks that are similar to actual maintenance work while using tools provided by our system. First, the effects of highlighting within a diagram and between multiple diagrams are evaluated. Second, we analyze the value of preserving highlighting as well as spatial information when switching between related diagrams, and then we present the effectiveness of distortion within a diagram. Finally, we discuss a field study of the system and report the results of our findings.

Applying the Technology Acceptance Model to Understand Aviation Students’ Perceptions toward Augmented Reality Maintenance Training Instruction

“…More recent research of graphics based air vehicle maintenance work instructions with user controlled augmenting data presentations (animated 3D models, interactive troubleshooting locations) during task-dense processes has shown that properly applied visualization and component presentation of technical or systems, when provided directly at the task location itself can improve efficiency and accuracy while resulting in reduction of rework due to missed or out of sequence steps (Hartman & Ropp, 2013;Kim et al, 2010). Although the literature has shown great features that AR-enhanced information can provide, research has yet to identify the users' perceptions of this new style of maintenance instructions.…”

SchemeLens: A Content-Aware Vector-Based Fisheye Technique for Navigating Large Systems Diagrams

“…Perhaps closest in spirit to SchemeLens is work by Kim et al and Woo et al [13,32], who studied the interactive navigation of technical diagrams. In this work, they compare a rectangular fisheye lens [22] and a magnification lens [3] for navigating schematics.…”

Optimization of assembly instructions for a low-cost housing solution

“…This included the use of no more than six new items per step, the use of line diagrams with varying line widths to emphasize mass, proximity and scale and to differentiate between structural parts (thick line) and actions or labels (thin line), and of realistic perspective with stable points of view. High level abstraction techniques such as exploded views, cutaways, deformation and distortions (e.g., magic lenses, fish-eye views, etc) were avoided or used only sporadically and when not conflicting with the perspectives (Kim et al, 2010;Viola & Groeller, 2005). We considered that introducing high levels of abstraction techniques could create misunderstanding and confusion.…”