Pavel Ikonomov

Virtual Assembly/Disassembly System Using Natural Human Interaction and Control

The purpose of this research is to develop new a virtual assembly (VA) and disassembly system that uses natural interaction and control of objects and machinery. This VA system deals with parts, tools, machines and workplaces positioned in their usual places and working in the expected ways. We developed a system optimized for both performance and ease of use. For example, tools and machines work are controlled by a user with his/her hands, and he/she responds, moves, and works as expected. Instead of the traditional interactions with a keyboard/mouse, hand gestures, body movements, touching, holding, and carrying of the parts/tools/sub-assemblies, pushing buttons for machines and equipment controls are performed in a natural way. In addition, helpful information to enhance the immersiveness to substitute for missing natural factors like weight, inertia, and force are introduced. Depending on the desired effect, this may be the sound of a working machine, a rotating gear, a snapping sound between two parts, or the dropping a part on the floor or table. Further, a warning sound is used for: signalling of impossible operations, changing colour of object is used when hand/part collision detection occurs to show when a certain part can be grasped or assembled/disassembled. Finally, models and simulation optimization allow a high rendering frame rate and real-time interaction using moderate performance personal computers with affordable peripheral devices.

Using Virtual Reality Simulation Through Product Lifecycle

This papers present using Virtual reality (VR) simulation trough product lifecycle for product testing that would lead to better new products without faults. Using complete VR product simulation for new products, from design, manufacturing, and maintenance to the end-user and recycle state allows the end-user to test the virtual products, and by providing feedback to reduces design errors and contribute for better design. After production the same VR product simulation can be used for training, virtual user manual virtual user manual, virtual repair maintenance, and for disassembly before recycle. A framework for building VR simulation for designed products is described and working application examples are provided. An expanding of the VR simulation applications for using with extensive range of computation platforms and devices is proposed.Copyright

Comparison of Driver Navigation at Turbo Roundabouts and Modern Two-Lane Roundabouts: Simulation Study

Roundabouts can be a solution to safety concerns common to conventional intersections. Recently in the United States, there has been an increase in the conversion of problematic intersections to roundabouts to improve their safety. However, there are some important considerations and challenges to make roundabouts safe for all users, especially multilane roundabouts. There may also be challenges for drivers to navigate a newly built or a new type of roundabout. Roundabout features such as pavement markings and signage play an important role in driver navigational performance. This research was an effort to evaluate new roundabout design and existing roundabout safety and operational features such as signs and pavement markings. The focus was on how such features influenced the performance of drivers, specifically at multilane roundabouts. Two-lane roundabouts and rotor turbo roundabouts were evaluated. A driving simulator was employed to test various simulation scenarios in a virtual world. The results indicate that lane keeping and higher navigation speeds are still problems at multilane roundabouts. The rotor turbo roundabout outperforms the two-lane roundabout in enabling correct lane choice and navigation speed control by drivers. Furthermore, it was found that roundabout signs and pavement markings used in the United States can be adopted for turbo roundabouts.