Denis V. Dorozhkin
Graduate Student
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Virtual Reality Applications Center
Iowa State University
Ames, Iowa 50011
Judy M. Vance
Professor and Chair of Mechanical Engineering
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Virtual Reality Applications Center
Iowa State University
Ames, Iowa 50011-2160
Gordon D. Rehn
Staff Engineer
Process Engineering Department
Deere & Company
Moline, Illinois 61265
Marco Lemessi
Department of Hydraulics, Transport and Roads
University of Rome La Sapienza
Via Eudossiana, 18-00184
Rome, Italy
Dorozhkin, D.V., Vance, J.M., Rehn, G.D., Lemessi, M, “Concurrent operations simulation in immersive virtual reality”, Proceedings of the IEEE 1st International Virtual Manufacturing Workshop (VirMan ’06), Alexandria, VA, March 26, 2006.
View the presentation here (PDF)
Abstract
Discrete event simulation is often used to identify manufacturing issues early in the design process in order to avoid unnecessary capital investment and significant rework of a manufacturing process. The majority of the simulation software packages currently provide animation capability so designers can visually examine part flow thorough the faculty. These tools, however, confine designers to viewing post-processed simulation results using the traditional two-dimensional computer interfaces, such as the monitor, keyboard and mouse, with limited options for making real-time changes to the simulation scenario. This paper presents a novel general-purpose simulation analysis application that combines concurrent simulation with the advanced data interrogation and user interaction capabilities of immersive virtual reality systems. The application allows for interactive modification of the simulation parameters, such as assembly tasks’ durations, while providing the users with the available simulation information by effectively placing the operator in the midst of the environment being simulated. Implementation and functionality details of the developed application are presented. Feedback from designers who used the application to analyze a proposed manufacturing operation is also discussed.
