VIRTUAL ASSEMBLY USING VIRTUAL-REALITY TECHNIQUES

Virtual reality is a technology which is often regarded as a natural e xtension to 3D computer graphics with advanced input and output device s. This technology has only recently matured enough to warrant serious engineering applications. The integration of this new technology with software systems for engineering, design, and manufacturing will prov ide a new boost to the field of computer-aided engineering. One aspect of design and manufacturing which may be significantly affected by vi rtual reality is design for assembly. This paper presents a research e ffort aimed at creating a virtual assembly design environment. Copyrig ht (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.