Integration of Augmented Reality into the CAD Process

The enhancement of visualization skills of engineering students is essential for their development of design skills in many fields of engineering. Based on studies of visualization skills of entering first year engineering students, some of them have difficulties in dealing with orthographic applications (projections, orthographic to isometric transformations, etc.). They seem to lack sufficient geometric and/or trigonometric relational skills, both of which are essential when modeling even simple geometric objects. Augmented Reality (AR) technology could provide a solution to this problem. The potential benefits of AR are improvements in the students’ abilities with respect to spatial cognition, concept development, decision making as well as design modifications and refinements due to the support for viewing and ‘touching’ the design. This paper will explore the integration of AR into the Computer Aided Design (CAD) process with SolidWorks software in order to provide an interactive learning experience, in which abstract thinking is supported and concept visualization, exploration and evaluation are facilitated during the various stages of the design process. Such an AR system will permit the students to visualize virtual representations of their 3D CAD models in real-world settings by mixing the 3D CAD model with a webcam view of the students and facilitating real-time interactions between the students and the designed objects.