Towards immersive designing of production processes using virtual reality techniques

Abstract

The article provides a novel approach to the implementation of virtual reality within planning and design of manual processes and systems. The use of hardware and software required to perform different production  especially assembly  tasks in a virtual environment, using CAD parts as interactive elements, is presented. Considering the CAD parts, the format conversion problem is comprehensively described and solved using format conversion software to overcome the present poor data connectivity between the CAD system and virtual reality hardware and software. Two examples of work processes have been made in a virtual environment: peg-in-hole and wall socket assembly. In the latter case, the traditional planning approach of manual assembly tasks using predetermined motion time system MTM-2 has been compared with a modern approach in which the assembly task is fully performed within a virtual environment. The comparison comprises a discussion on the assembly task execution times. In addition, general and specific advantages and disadvantages that arise in the immersive designing of production processes using virtual reality are presented, as well as reflections on teamwork and collaborative man-machine work. Finally, novel technologies are proposed to overcome the main problems that occur when implementing virtual reality, such as time-consuming scene defining or tedious CAD software data conversion.

Conceptualisation of Virtual Reality Experiments for Optimised Sinus Surgery Planning and Execution

“…While they show good results for tracking large movements in vast areas [28] and they are widely used for those instances, these technologies are limited in their precision for differentiating fine movements, and as such of little use for fine movement analysis. • Special motion capture devices, such as Leap Motion Controller [1] (Figure 1.) and Perception Neuron 2.0 (Figure 2.)…”

“…Regarding products, especially, it is interesting to consider the performance of processes in which deformable objects and sculpture surfaces appear in different industries. Consideration of advanced sensorics and virtual reality (VR) involves the analysis of manual processes [1], as yet the most widespread, and as a basis for better understanding and optimization (stabilization) as well as standardization ("normization") of manual processes [2], thus enabling development of mechatronic devices for automatic process execution.Technology development allows the design and standardization of manual work in human activities which are yet to be observed, especially those of low-volume discrete production, such as in ear, nose and throat (ENT) surgery, particularly endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS). The paper considers the possibilities of developing an approach that would be useful for specific ESS manual work analysis and design and its automation in a future.…”

“…Regarding products, especially, it is interesting to consider the performance of processes in which deformable objects and sculpture surfaces appear in different industries. Consideration of advanced sensorics and virtual reality (VR) involves the analysis of manual processes [1], as yet the most widespread, and as a basis for better understanding and optimization (stabilization) as well as standardization ("normization") of manual processes [2], thus enabling development of mechatronic devices for automatic process execution.…”