Harmonization of Standard Industrial Data with Lightweight 3D Models

Computer-aided design (CAD) platforms provide a broad suite of tools for constructing highly precise digital three-dimensional (3D) representations of parts, assemblies, and structures. Many engineering teams and organizations adhere to a single CAD platform for formally representing geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) requirements, optimizing design performance through detailed simulations, and developing initial process plans for manufacturing the parts. With the increasing emphasis on model-based engineering across industry, more value is embedded in these digital models every day.

To allow for native 3D models to be displayed on AR modalities, model translation is necessary into more efficient digital models. Previous work has focused on model tessellation and decimation to make sure that the models are perceptually accurate. Inherently, there is a loss in geometry and topology precision in the translation process. However, for most AR use cases, there is no need for such a high level of accuracy in the presentation of part and assembly geometries. These translation methods do not currently port supporting information, such as GD&T and other Product Manufacturing Information (PMI), in a platform-agnostic manner.

There is a research opportunity for leveraging existing industrial data standards that enable the exchange of part and assembly information with limited loss of information. One particular use case of interest is dealing with engineering change management. In theory, model-based engineering facilitates better management of engineering change, as the native CAD model serves as a reference for all product lifecycle functions and processes. Let’s consider assembly animations and their use in a AR-assisted assembly workstation. If there is a persistent link or pipeline between the native 3D models and animation with the tessellated model to be used in XR, theoretically, the AR-assisted workstation could be agile and updatable based on upstream engineering changes.

Additional work is required in fundamental mappings between standard data representations, both from the domain perspective such as manufacturing and the AR standard community such as glTF animations. In general, such work has been characterized as standards harmonization.

Stakeholders

OEM manufacturers, integrated solution and software developers, CAD/CAM providers, engineering design teams

Possible Methodologies

Existing model translators and standard data representations provide a strong starting point for investigation. Focusing on handling PMI and properly spatially anchoring them in the tessellated model would be a good choice for an initial project.

Research Program

This topic would directly benefit construction and manufacturing industries. Luckily, lots of the existing domain-specific standards cut across these two industries. Working together to develop application domain extensions for AR standards would be a good first step. This research topic significantly overlaps with the AR to PLM research topic. There are distinct in that this research topic is specific to the manufacturing industry. The other research topic relates to developing a standard data model for ingesting PLM data, such as sustainment data for maintaining digital twins.

Miscellaneous Notes

There exist resources to help position research efforts. For example, the CAx Implementor Forum provides a number of test cases. The Khronos Group is continously updating glTF, the latest de-facto standard for lightweight model presentation. ASME Y14 is a working group that focuses on the standard presentaiton of GD&T annotations.

Keywords

Digital enterprise, model translation, interoperability, product manufacturing information, geometric dimensioning and tolerancing, assembly animation, engineering change management, updatable AR, maintainable AR, transferrable AR, agile AR, knowledge representation, ontologies (artificial intelligence), information management, production planning, metadata, application programming interfaces, systems engineering, cad/cam, cad, computer aided design, integration, industry 4.0, 3d modeling, assembly, manufacturing data processing, product life cycle management, computer aided engineering, Interoperability, standardization, protocols

Research Agenda Categories

Standards, Technology, Industries

Expected Impact Timeframe

Near

Related Publications

Using the words in this topic description and Natural Language Processing analysis of publications in the AREA FindAR database, the references below have the highest number of matches with this topic:

• Fradi, A., Louhichi, B., Mahjoub, M. A., & Eynard, B. (2017). 3D Object Retrieval Based on Similarity Calculation in 3D Computer Aided Design Systems. 2017 IEEE/ACS 14th International Conference on Computer Systems and Applications (AICCSA).
• Xia, L., Lu, J., Zhang, Z., Chen, R., Wang, S., & Zhang, H. (2019). Development and Application of Parts Assembly Guidance System Based on Augmented Reality. 2019 IEEE 4th Advanced Information Technology, Electronic and Automation Control Conference (IAEAC).
• Khedwala, M., Momin, F., Pachhapure, U., & Shaikh, S. (2018). Analysis of Auto Generation of 3D Model Using Multiple 2D Graphics to Manifest Through Augmented Reality. 2018 International Conference on Smart City and Emerging Technology (ICSCET).
• Hayashida, H., Funashima, H., Katayama-Yoshida, H., & Nomakuchi, T. (2017). Opening the Door for the New Methodology for Optimizing Functional Material Development in Technology Management Framework II. 2017 Portland International Conference on Management of Engineering and Technology (PICMET).

More publications can be explored using the AREA FindAR research tool.

Author

Bill Bernstein

Last Published (yyyy-mm-dd)

2021-08-31

Go to Enterprise AR Research Topic Interactive Dashboard