Abstract
Virtual and augmented reality allows the utilization of natural user interfaces, such as realistic finger interaction, even for purposes that were previously dominated by the WIMP paradigm. This new form of interaction is particularly suitable for applications involving manipulation tasks in 3D space, such as CAD assembly modeling. The objective of this paper is to evaluate the suitability of natural interaction for CAD assembly modeling in virtual reality. An advantage of the natural interaction compared to the conventional operation by computer mouse would indicate development potential for user interfaces of current CAD applications. Our approach bases on two main elements. Firstly, a novel natural user interface for realistic finger interaction enables the user to interact with virtual objects similar to physical ones. Secondly, an algorithm automatically detects constraints between CAD components based solely on their geometry and spatial location. In order to prove the usability of the natural CAD assembly modeling approach in comparison with the assembly procedure in current WIMP operated CAD software, we present a comparative user study. Results show that the VR method including natural finger interaction significantly outperforms the desktop-based CAD application in terms of efficiency and ease of use.
Highlights
In contrast to WIMP (Window, Icon, Menu, Pointing) interfaces, virtual and augmented reality open up the possibility for the user to interact with virtual objects close to reality
For example, an object with any orientation is to be placed in 3D space, a virtual reality (VR) application may allow this to be done quickly via natural grasping techniques
In the context of assembly modeling, the user interfaces and menu guidance of current computer-aided design (CAD) software is highly adapted to the 2D mouse
Summary
In contrast to WIMP (Window, Icon, Menu, Pointing) interfaces (van Dam 1997), virtual and augmented reality open up the possibility for the user to interact with virtual objects close to reality. For example, an object with any orientation is to be placed in 3D space, a virtual reality (VR) application may allow this to be done quickly via natural grasping techniques. In the context of assembly modeling, the user interfaces and menu guidance of current computer-aided design (CAD) software is highly adapted to the 2D mouse. This allows users to insert constraints between components by clicking on the geometric elements, like surfaces or edges. Since the assembly process in reality takes place by relocating and rotating mechanical components in space, the question arises whether it is possible to achieve a faster assembly with the aid of natural 3D manipulation techniques and semi-automatic constraint detection. The constraint detection algorithm thereby utilizes information on the spatial location, geometry and topology of the CAD components
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