Virtual Layout Research Articles

Integration and Evaluation of a Digital Support Function for Space Claims in Factory Layout Planning

Planning and designing factory layouts are frequently performed within virtual environments, relying on inputs from various cross-disciplinary activities e.g., product development, manufacturing process planning, resource descriptions, ergonomics, and safety. The success of this process heavily relies on the expertise of the practitioners performing the task. Studies have shown that layout planning often hinges on the practitioners’ knowledge and interpretation of current rules and requirements. As there is significant variability in this knowledge and interpretation, there is a risk that decisions are made on incorrect grounds. Consequently, the layout planning process depends on individual proficiency. In alignment with Industry 4.0 and Industry 5.0 principles, there is a growing emphasis on providing practitioners involved in industrial development processes with efficient decision support tools. This paper presents a digital support function integrated into a virtual layout planning tool, developed to support practitioners in considering current rules and requirements for space claims in the layout planning process. This digital support function was evaluated by industry practitioners and stakeholders involved in the factory layout planning process. This initiative forms part of a broader strategy to provide advanced digital support to layout planners, enhancing objectivity and efficiency in the layout planning process while bridging cross-disciplinary gaps.

Hybrid virtual flow metering on arbitrary well patterns for transient multiphase prediction driven by mechanistic and data model

Virtual Flow Meters (VFMs) have garnered considerable attention due to their substantial benefits in curtailing the expenses associated with multiphase flow measurement. To overcome the constraints of current technologies, we introduce the Distributed Hybrid Virtual Flow Meter (HVFM-Fleet) method. This innovative approach leverages a data-driven model that integrates multi-scale features, significantly enhancing the accuracy of flow characteristic identification. Moreover, a mechanical model is crafted to translate arbitrary well networks into a virtual layout, thereby amplifying the system's adaptability to a variety of scenarios. The HVFM-Fleet capitalizes on distributed computing to reduce computational costs in large-scale simulations, establishing a database that surpasses a thousand multi-well cases—the most extensive in the transient multiphase flow simulation sector. Case studies integrate simulation data with actual measurement data from oil fields in the North Sea of the UK, with a detailed analysis of key elements such as individual wells, multiple wells, and flow allocation. The HVFM-Fleet has notably reduced the mean absolute percentage error and achieved a remarkable 140% improvement in performance compared to existing models. Furthermore, this research pioneers new metrics for assessing the volatility of predictions, setting a new standard in the evaluation of flow measurement reliability.

On the modelling of the friction characteristics of railway vehicle brakes

ABSTRACT The rules and standards that define the requirements and methods for the layout of friction brake systems for railway vehicles still demand extensive experimental surveys since the general confidence in the theoretical predictability of the brake pad friction behaviour is limited. In fact, a review of numerous measurements from dynamometer test rigs exposes a large variation of the friction characteristics. Nevertheless, these measurements could be exploited to develop an elaborate friction modelling approach that includes deterministic and stochastic influences. The comparison of vehicle measurements from field tests with simulation results reveals that a significant improvement of the theoretical predictability of braking distances is within reach. Consequently, this applies as well for a more virtual layout and acceptance procedure for railway vehicle brake systems in the future.

Romanian Slavonic in Unicode: problems and solutions

Editors of Slavonic and Slavonic–Romanian text can make use of a large variety of tools (fonts, physical and virtual keyboard layouts, word processors, operating systems) for transcribing and digitizing these texts in a uniform manner. The uniformity of the transcripts is based on Unicode standardization. Our study aims at explaining the place of Slavonic in Unicode and at briefly describing the most accessible tools. To this end, we shall describe the working tools from a historical and functional perspective and then provide examples in which those tools can be or have already been used to obtain a more accurate transcript. The user can choose from the existing methods and tools according to his/her purposes, needs and means. A better understanding of technical data can reduce the working time, improve transcription, accelerate learning times and generally make an editor’s work much easier.

Eye gaze controlled adaptive virtual keyboard for users with SSMI

BACKGROUND: Users with Severe Speech and Motor Impairment (SSMI) often use a communication chart through their eye gaze or limited hand movement and care takers interpret their communication intent. There is already significant research conducted to automate this communication through electronic means. Developing electronic user interface and interaction techniques for users with SSMI poses significant challenges as research on their ocular parameters found that such users suffer from Nystagmus and Strabismus limiting number of elements in a computer screen. This paper presents an optimized eye gaze controlled virtual keyboard for English language with an adaptive dwell time feature for users with SSMI. OBJECTIVE: Present an optimized eye gaze controlled English virtual keyboard that follows both static and dynamic adaptation process. The virtual keyboard can automatically adapt to reduce eye gaze movement distance and dwell time for selection and help users with SSMI type better without any intervention of an assistant. METHODS: Before designing the virtual keyboard, we undertook a pilot study to optimize screen region which would be most comfortable for SSMI users to operate. We then proposed an optimized two-level English virtual keyboard layout through Genetic algorithm using static adaptation process; followed by dynamic adaptation process which tracks users’ interaction and reduces dwell time based on a Markov model-based algorithm. Further, we integrated the virtual keyboard for a web-based interactive dashboard that visualizes real-time Covid data. RESULTS: Using our proposed virtual keyboard layout for English language, the average task completion time for users with SSMI was 39.44 seconds in adaptive condition and 29.52 seconds in non-adaptive condition. Overall typing speed was 16.9 lpm (letters per minute) for able-bodied users and 6.6 lpm for users with SSMI without using any word completion or prediction features. A case study with an elderly participant with SSMI found a typing speed of 2.70 wpm (words per minute) and 14.88 lpm (letters per minute) after 6 months of practice. CONCLUSIONS: With the proposed layout for English virtual keyboard, the adaptive system increased typing speed statistically significantly for able bodied users than a non-adaptive version while for 6 users with SSMI, task completion time reduced by 8.8% in adaptive version than nonadaptive one. Additionally, the proposed layout was successfully integrated to a web-based interactive visualization dashboard thereby making it accessible for users with SSMI.

A review of studies on virtual layout and atmospherics - potential applications to the fashion industry

ABSTRACT Retail layouts and atmospherics have been widely investigated within the physical retail environment, Research suggests that there is limited understanding of these elements in the virtual environment despite the fact that they would appear to be the easiest and most effective combination to implement by online fashion retailers. Considering potential applications in the fashion industry, a review of current literature on layout and atmospherics has identified the freeform layout as a valuable format for online fashion retailing. The freeform layout has been found to increase consumers’ hedonic motivations to purchase. Furthermore, design and visual cues have a significant influence on consumers, while aural cues despite being very important to the consumers’ experience appear to be underexploited in the online fashion space. This paper contributes a review of established retail elements, and identifies those that adapt well from the offline to online retail environment.

Evaluating exposure of a retail rack layout in 3D

Analyzing a retail layout accounting for how a shopper visually interacts with racks along their shopping path can help the retailer identify hot-warm-cold spots and better allocate products to racks in order to maximize revenue. We focus on estimating exposure (which locations are likely to be seen) and the intensity of exposure (how long are they seen) by accounting for the dynamic interaction between the human 3D field of regard with a physical rack layout. Our quantitative approach allows us to analyze the effect of varying layout design parameters (i.e., rack orientation, curvature, and height) on exposure considering both unidirectional and bidirectional travel. We also validate our approach through human participants in a virtual layout. We observed that curving racks in a layout with racks oriented 90° (i.e., perpendicular to the aisle) increase exposure by 3–121% over straight racks. Further, orientating curved racks at acute angles leads to substantially higher exposure (18–321%) over straight racks at 90°. Moreover, racks with a height just below shopper eye-height results in higher exposure over racks just above eye-height when top surfaces are accounted for as exposed. Considering the trade-off between exposure and layout floor space, when given an allowable 25% increase in floor space, we found feasible layouts that increased exposure ranging from 15–530% (over straight racks at 90°) depending on shopper scanning pattern, layout size, and traffic direction.

Virtual fire drill system supporting co-located collaboration

Background Due to the restriction of display mode, in most of the virtual reality systems with multiple people in the same physical space, the program renders the scene based on the position and perspective of the one user, so that other users just see the same scene, resulting in vision disorder. Methods To improve experience of multi-user co-located collaboration, in this study, we propose a fire drill system supporting co-located collaboration, in which three co-located users can collaborate to complete the virtual firefighting mission. Firstly, with multi-view stereoscopic projective display technology and ultra wideband (UWB) technology, co-located users can roam independently and watch virtual scenes through the correct perspective view based on their own position by wearing dedicated shutter glasses, thus carrying out different virtual tasks, which improves the flexibility of co-located collaboration. Secondly, we design simulated firefighting water-gun using the micro-electromechanical system sensor, through which users can interact with virtual environment, and thus provide a better interactive experience. Finally, we develop a workbench including a holographic display module and multi-touch operation module for virtual scene assembly and virtual environment control. Results The controller can use the workbench to adjust the virtual layout in real time, and control the virtual task process to increase the flexibility and playability of system. Conclusions Our work can be employed in a wide range of related virtual reality applications.

Simulation model of an electrohydraulic-actuated double-clutch transmission vehicle: modelling and system design

ABSTRACTAutomated and manual transmissions are the main link between engine and powertrain. The technical term when the transmission provides the desired torque during all possible driving conditions is denoted as powertrain matching. Recent developments in the last years show that double-clutch-transmissions (DCTs) are a reasonable compromise in terms of production costs, shifting quality, drivability and fuel efficiency. They have several advantages compared to other automatic transmissions (AT). Most DCTs nowadays consist of a hydraulic actuation control unit, which controls the clutches of the gearbox in order to induce a desired drivetrain torque into the driveline. The main functions of hydraulic systems are manifold: they initiate gear shifts, they provide sufficient oil for lubrication and they control the shift quality by suitably providing a desired oil flow or pressure for the clutch actuation. In this paper, a mathematical model of a passenger car equipped with a DCT is presented. The objective of this contribution is to get an increased understanding for the dynamics of the hydraulic circuit and its coupling to the vehicle drivetrain. The simulation model consists of a hydraulic and a mechanical domain: the hydraulic actuation circuit is described by nonlinear differential equations and includes the dynamics of the line pressure and the proportional valve, as well as the influence of the pressure reducing valve, pipe resistances and accumulator dynamics. The drivetrain with its gear ratios, moments of inertia, torsional stiffness of the rotating shafts and a simple longitudinal vehicle model represent the mechanical domain. The link between hydraulic and mechanical domain is given by the clutch, which combines hydraulic equations and Newton's laws. The presented mathematical model may not only be used as a simulation model for developing the transmission control software, it may also serve as a virtual layout for the design process phase. At the end of this contribution a parametric study shows the influence of the mechanical components, the accumulator and the temperature of the oil.

Optimizing Decision Tree Attack on CAS Scheme

In this paper we show a successful side-channel timing attack on a well-known high-complexity cognitive authentication (CAS) scheme. We exploit the weakness of CAS scheme that comes from the asymmetry of the virtual interface and graphical layout which results in nonuniform human behavior during the login procedure, leading to detectable variations in user’s response times. We optimized a well- known probabilistic decision tree attack on CAS scheme by introducing this timing information into the attack. We show that the developed classifier could be used to significantly reduce the number of login sessions required to break the CAS scheme.

A Virtual Layout Design Method of Motional Cable in Stabilized Platform

A Virtual Layout Design Method of Motional Cable in Stabilized Platform

WSN and RFID Integration to Support Intelligent Monitoring in Smart Buildings Using Hybrid Intelligent Decision Support Systems

The real time monitoring of environment context aware activities is becoming a standard in the service delivery in a wide range of domains (child and elderly care and supervision, logistics, circulation, and other). The safety of people, goods and premises depends on the prompt reaction to potential hazards identified at an early stage to engage appropriate control actions. This requires capturing real time data to process locally at the device level or communicate to backend systems for real time decision making. This research examines the wireless sensor network and radio frequency identification technology integration in smart homes to support advanced safety systems deployed upstream to safety and emergency response. These systems are based on the use of hybrid intelligent decision support systems configured in a multi-distributed architecture enabled by the wireless communication of detection and tracking data to support intelligent real-time monitoring in smart buildings. This paper introduces first the concept of wireless sensor network and radio frequency identification technology integration showing the various options for the task distribution between radio frequency identification and hybrid intelligent decision support systems. This integration is then illustrated in a multi-distributed system architecture to identify motion and control access in a smart building using a room capacity model for occupancy and evacuation, access rights and a navigation map automatically generated by the system. The solution shown in the case study is based on a virtual layout of the smart building which is implemented using the capabilities of the building information model and hybrid intelligent decision support system.

Evoking online consumer impulse buying through virtual layout schemes

Drawing upon the ‘stimulus-organism-response’ framework, this paper examines how the ease of navigation (EON) of a website affects consumers' online impulse buying. We also compared the effects of various virtual layouts (i.e. grid, freeform, racetrack, and mix grid–freeform) on consumers' perceptions of EON, emotional responses, and the urge to buy impulsively. Based on questionnaire responses from 216 participants in a stratified survey, we found that EON significantly influences consumers' emotional responses, pleasantness, and arousal, which subsequently affects their urge to buy impulsively. We also found that compared with the other three layouts, manifestations of navigability, freeform is the easiest to navigate, and is able to elicit the highest level of pleasantness and the strongest urge to buy impulsively. The findings of this study provide important implications for impulse buying research and practice.

Simulation of Malaysian Small Angle Neutron Scattering Using Monte Carlo

Small angle neutron scattering (SANS) virtual experiment using silicon dioxide (SiO2) target has been performed. The results showed neutron flux with 1 million neutrons per count from the source in the range of 1.02x108n/s/cm2 and wavelength 5 Å. The neutron intensity was found to decrease after scattered at 1.75x105n/s/cm2 by nuclei in SiO2. We are able to construct a virtual experiment layout of Malaysian Small Angle Neutron Scattering (mySANS) facility using Monte Carlo simulation of neutron instruments (McStas).

DiGVis: A system for comprehension and creation of directed graphs for the visually challenged

One of the major barriers for the social inclusion of blind persons is the limited access to graphics-based learning resources which are highly vision oriented. This paper presents a cost-effective tool which facilitates comprehension and creation of virtual directed graphs, such as flowcharts, using alternate modalities of audio and touch. It provides a physically accessible virtual spatial workspace and multimodal interface to non-visually represent directed graphs in interactive manner. The concept of spatial query is used to aid exploration and mental visualization through audio and tactile feedback. A unique aspect of the tool, named DiGVis, offers compatible representations of directed graphs for the sighted and non-sighted persons. A study with 28 visually challenged subjects indicates that the tool facilitates comprehension of layout and directional connectivity of elements in a virtual diagram. Further, in a pilot study, blind persons could independently comprehend a virtual flowchart layout and its logical steps. They were also able to create the flowchart data without sighted assistance using DiGVis. A comparison with sighted subjects using DiGVis for similar task demonstrates the effectiveness of the technique for inclusive education.

WEBSITE ATMOSPHERE: TOWARDS REVISITED TAXONOMY OF WEBSITE ELEMENTS

By synthesizing prior literature, this research proposes a revised taxonomy of website elements and extends the knowledge of the website atmosphere. Website elements are grouped into four components based on Manganari, Siomkos, Vrechopoulos (2009). The component of virtual layout & design is extended by adding navigational design element. Virtual atmospherics are augmented by adding information, aesthetics design, and website brand / personality elements. The last component - virtual social presence is extended by adding elements such as avatars, virtual community, recommendations, and communication. This paper provides the taxonomy of website elements and provides general guidelines for e-retailers to develop an effective website in order to attract and retain consumers. Authors highlight key research implications. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5755/j01.em.18.3.5285

An Approach to Design Virtual Keyboards for Text Composition in Indian Languages

Of late there has been significant development in Information and Communication Technology (ICT), which offers interaction with computing systems in a large scale. Text input mechanisms in users’ own languages are necessary for bringing the ICT advantages to the English illiterates. QWERTY keyboard, however, which was designed for text entry in English, is not as suitable for text composition in other languages. As an alternative, researchers advocate virtual keyboards in users’ mother languages. This article proposes an approach to designing virtual keyboards suitable for text entry in Indian languages. Composition of texts in Indian languages using virtual keyboards needs special attention due to the presence of large character sets, complex characters, inflexions, and so on. First, we examine the suitability of existing design principles in developing virtual keyboards in Indian languages. Then we propose a virtual keyboard layout suitable for efficient text entry in Indian languages. We have tested our approach with the three most spoken languages in India, namely, Bengali, Hindi, and Telugu. Performance of the keyboards have been evaluated, and the evaluation substantiates that proposed design achieves on average higher text entry rather than with conventional virtual keyboards. The proposed approach, in fact, provides a solution to deal with complexity in Indian languages and can be extended to many other languages in the world.

DRE: A Framework for Early Co-Evaluation of Design Rules, Technology Choices, and Layout Methodologies

Design rules have been the primary contract between technology developers and designers and are likely to remain so to preserve abstractions and productivity. While current approaches for defining design rules are largely unsystematic and empirical in nature, this paper offers a novel framework for early and systematic evaluation of design rules and layout styles in terms of major layout characteristics of area, manufacturability, and variability. The framework essentially creates a virtual standard-cell library and performs the evaluation based on the virtual layouts. Due to the focus on the exploration of rules at an early stage of technology development, we use first-order models of variability and manufacturability (instead of relying on accurate simulation) and layout topology/congestion-based area estimates (instead of explicit and slow layout generation). Such a framework can be used to co-evaluate and cooptimize design rules, patterning technologies, layout methodologies, and library architectures.

Wiring of Cables Based on Virtual Prototyping

Wiring of cables is very important in the design of electro-mechanical products. Whereas, there is not an effectual virtual wiring method for the moment. Aimed at the problem, a virtual wiring is expatiated in this paper. Virtual layout design is achieved based on human-computer interaction, which is verified by virtual assembling. Geometrical modeling of cables, the precision of which is quite high, is established based on energy-optimized method. The characteristic of virtual assembling to the products, which make up of cables and other parts, is discussed. Especially, the assemble technique programming and transformation simulating of cables are studied. In the end, the wiring is actualized on a product, intention to validate the feasibility of the method.

DEVELOPMENT OF VIRTUAL ASSEMBLY LAYOUT WITH MODELING LANGUAGES APPROACH AND SIMULATION USING DELMIA™ QUEST®

ABSTRACT: The paper presented the development of virtual layout model with modeling languages approach. This research also explores the flexibility of the model configurations through the development process of database for storing and representing the virtual model. The concept and mechanisms of database development involves the use of eXtensible Markup Language (XML). The objectives of the research are therefore to obtain a basic understanding on how these modeling languages are used to develop virtual model, representing the simulation by using Delmia™ QUEST® and develop a database for share, store and future usage. Therefore, the generated simulation presents the feasibility of interchanging models using modeling language approach as an intermediate representation and provides an opportunity to improve simulation quality.