A State-of-the-Art Review of Augmented Reality in Engineering Analysis and Simulation

Abstract

Augmented reality (AR) has recently become a worldwide research topic. AR technology renders intuitive computer-generated contents on users' physical surroundings. To improve process efficiency and productivity, researchers and developers have paid increasing attention to AR applications in engineering analysis and simulation. The integration of AR with numerical simulation, such as the finite element method, provides a cognitive and scientific way for users to analyze practical problems. By incorporating scientific visualization technologies, an AR-based system superimposes engineering analysis and simulation results directly on real-world objects. Engineering analysis and simulation involving diverse types of data are normally processed using specific computer software. Correct and effective visualization of these data using an AR platform can reduce the misinterpretation in spatial and logical aspects. Moreover, tracking performance of the AR platforms in engineering analysis and simulation is crucial as it influences the overall user experience. The operating environment of the AR platforms requires robust tracking performance to deliver stable and accurate information to the users. In addition, over the past several decades, AR has undergone a transition from desktop to mobile computing. The portability and propagation of mobile platforms has provided engineers with convenient access to relevant information in situ. However, on-site working environment imposes constraints on the development of mobile AR-based systems. This paper aims to provide a systematic overview of AR in engineering analysis and simulation. The visualization, tracking techniques as well as the implementation on mobile platforms are discussed. Each technique is analyzed with respect to its pros and cons, as well its suitability to particular types of applications.

Incorporating Virtual Reality into the Teaching and Training of Grid-Tie Photovoltaic Power Plants Design

“…[18] proposes the use of a 3D holographic system using a real size virtual replica, and by using mobile devices integrated into the factory and in the classroom, while Centea [19] implements a dual education system collaboration between industry and university to train students and employees involving TF. Another tendency is the use of mixed reality in learning about factories as suggested in [20], displaying information about on-site working environments [21]. The problem for the MR use is when no equipment exists or the training needs to be implemented in safety situations without risking trainers and equipment [22], such as the presented case.…”

“…The evaluations consider the job skills that the student will need in the industry; from the selection of equipment, design of photovoltaic arrangements, calculations of conductor sizes and protection devices, the use of personal protective equipment, and the amount of power generation taking into account the value of 5 hrs of solar radiation typically used in the literature. 20 Determine the capacity of the DC and AC switches 7…”

Vertex markers: Modification of grid methods as markers to reproduce large size augmented reality objects to afford hands

“…In the field of Teaching and learning, markers in the form of images on the pages of books, tables of chemical elements, or attached to learning media that cause the size of the digital object displayed to adjust the place [2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11]. In the field of Product and Marketing, customers usually immediately try to use the product and want to get more interactive information [12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21]. The illustration of marker weaknesses from the previous research is shown in Figure 1.…”

Using augmented reality and mixed reality to interpret design choices of high-performance buildings

“…Although there have been considerable interests in interpreting building design in virtual environments, investigations on visualizing the performance simulation together in AR/MR are still insufficient. Interrogatively visualizing these data in the AR/MR can decrease misinterpretations and help designers make correct decisions (Li et al 2017). This topic was firstly coined by Belcher & Johnson (2008a) who superimposed the virtual model with light simulation data obtained from software Radiance and Ecotect.…”