Claudia Redaelli

DiFac: an integrated scenario for the Digital Factory

Digital Factory is a comprehensive approach of network of digital models, methods, and tools - including modelling, simulation and 3D/Virtual Reality visualization- integrated by a continuous data management. (DiFac brochure, 2007). This paper describes the results of the research project named DiFac (FP6-2005-IST-5-035079) founded by the European Commission. DiFac realized a suite of results able to drive manufacturing SMEs from Digital to Virtual Factory. The DiFac Integrated Scenario illustrates the modularity and scalability of the project results. The paper shows a not so far in the future daily life in a possible manufacturing factory named SECONDA Laser Machine. Different actors in various parts of the world re-design a new product in a collaborative and delocalised way, re-organize the production line evaluating it with simulation and ergonomics and finally use the new technologies as Virtual and Augmented reality for designing the new laser machine and maintaining it efficiently.

A virtual reality system for strengthening awareness and participation in rehabilitation for post-stroke patients

This paper presents a system called REAPP, a virtual environment aiming at supporting upper-limb robotic neurorehabilitation for post-stroke patients. In the last few years different systems using either or both virtual environments and robots have been developed. However, such advanced systems often lack attention on the physical and psychological conditions perceived by the patient, who should be the key focus in therapies. In this context, REAPP aims not to be just an entertaining interface but also a means to investigate patients’ feelings toward the therapy and to enhance their self-perception while performing the rehabilitation exercises. Before and after the rehabilitation session the patients are inquired about their emotional state, their physical condition and a self-evaluation of the performance is done. While performing the exercises patients look at a 2D/3D interface which has the aim of enhancing their self-awareness by showing them, through an avatar, the movements they are doing. Widgets and a virtual assistant provide additional feedback about the quality of the movements which is computed through a specifically developed arm model that can be customized on the residual capabilities of each patient.

GOJI an Advanced Virtual Environment Supporting Training of Physical and Cognitive Activities to Prevent Dementia Occurrence in Elderly with Minor Cognitive Disorders

Dementia incidence in populations of 65 years or over is about 9 % and doubles every 5 years of age and might be higher than 50 % at the older ages of human life, international epidemic studies foreseen dementia cases up to 48 million in 2020. Cognitive deficits affecting the person’s independence are main manifestations of dementia. The pathological process of disease precedes of decades the clinical manifestations and it suggests the possibility of early interventions in asymptomatic or early mild symptomatic individuals. This work presents the Goji project and its design phase of preventive program composed by a Virtual Environment for visuospatial (VSP) training and physiological evaluation of its efficacy.

Shoe customers' behaviour with new technologies: the Magic Mirror case

European shoe manufacturing sector suffers a high pressure due to the eastern countries competition. Maintaining the competitiveness can appear a chess game in which western countries have to strategically find the appropriate solutions. Dorothy is a research project funded by the European Commission within the 7th Framework Programme under the NMP theme. It promotes a response based on the transformation of shoe industry and related business model meant to strengthen Europes ability to compete in terms of high added value for the customer. This foreseen transformation deals with the development of tools for the design of customer driven adding value shoes and with the realization of tools for the design and reconfiguration of flexible multi-site and multi-nation production plants. Since the customer is the centre of the innovation process based on new technological approaches, this paper analyses the customer approach to the customized product and in particular impact of the Augmented Reality (AR). The Magic Mirror uses the AR (mixed of real and virtual images) for allowing the user to try-on a pair of virtual customized shoes. This new trial step implies a new purchasing path and a different approach with the product. This paper presents the Magic Mirror case study and a research made with a new questionnaire called “Flow for Presence Questionnaire” measuring the state of the user during the trial.