A low cost Virtual Reality interface for CAD model manipulation and visualization

The human-computer interface technology provided in modern CAD systems makes the use of two dimensional (2D) computer interfaces, e.g. a keyboard and mouse, to generate and interact with CAD models. In addition, all CAD systems project complex 3D CAD models on a two dimensional computer screen, and the designer has to understand the spatial relationship of the different parts in the assembly by visualizing it in his/her mind. Because of the 2D nature of the keyboard and mouse, his/her interaction with complex 3D CAD models is restrictive and unintuitive. As compared to the traditional computer interface, VR provides a more interactive and intuitive interface for interacting with complex 3D CAD models; however, the high cost related to the VR equipment and the high level of technical skill required for implementing these technologies have restricted the widespread acceptance of such useful technologies. With the development of low-cost VR technologies in recent years, VR solutions have become more accessible. The objective of the research presented in this thesis is to implement the currently available low-cost VR technology for providing solution to the human-computer interaction problems present in today\u27s CAD applications. The thesis first reviews and analyzes some of the low-cost VR applications which are available in the market for interacting with CAD models. It then elucidates the development and implementation of a low-cost VR human-computer interface, the VR CAD Model Viewer, which is capable of importing and rendering stereo views of CAD models made in CAD systems like Pro/Engineer. The application developed also provides the user with the 3D 6-degree of freedom Data Glove device to interact with CAD models using his/her hands. A human subjects study is also performed which aims at recording the interface performance and user feedback about the use and intuitiveness of the interface. Studying this new type of learning experience and charting its strengths and limits is an important frontier for cognitive science research, scientific modeling, and constructive pedagogy