Collaboration CAD design based virtual reality modeling language in heterogeneity assembly environment

Abstract

Collaboration designs now often involve engineers working around the world while current CAD-based virtual assembly system s often only supports single computer operation. This paper presents a VRML (virtual reality modeling language) based virtual assembly system developed to provide a heterogeneity CAD model collaboration assembly environment. The system uses an assembly feature parameter extraction algorithm to realize the assembly constraints among the VRML part models. Furthermore a C-P (command-parameter) and operation token mechanism s are used to handle low speed Internet traffic and avoid operational conflicts. The system also includes a collision detection module based on the V-collide library to dynamically detect collisions between VRML parts during assembly. The system is integrated with the product data management system to create a product life cycle system, including design, demonstration, and maintenance, with effective communication efficiency during the product design stage. © 2010 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.