Virtual Reality and Rapid Prototyping: Conflicting or Complimentary?

It is likely that the uses for virtual reality (VR) will coincide with applications that rapid prototyping systems have already been used for. VR, with the ability to model real life environments, presents an ideal base for the design and development of new manufactured products. As a method of producing physical models directly from 3D CAD systems, rapid prototyping technology has also been used to visualise new product designs. This paper attempts to determine whether the two technologies are a means to the same end or whether they combine to form a more efficient route to product development. Virtual Reality Systems A virtual reality system provides a platform for computer generated images to interact with the user. As the user reacts to these images, requiring to change the scene in some way, so the computer complies. The images, along with other possible external stimuli show objects that combine together to form virtual worlds. Perhaps the best definition offered yet on the exact nature of VR comes from Zeiter [1]. A virtual reality interface system must offer a degree of 3 key components:Autonomy: objects must react to external stimuli, have collision boundaries and exhibit real world effects (e.g., coefficients of restitution, gravity, and friction). Interaction: one must be able to manipulate the parameters of each object in real time. Presence: a crude measure of the fidelity of the viewing system. Whether the system used is desk top or immersive, VR is computer modelling of real life as experienced through sight, sound, and touch. The above suggests that designers and engineers who wish to address the problem of development and improvement of interactive design tools should consider what benefits VR might offer. The Nottingham University VIrtual Reality Applications Research Team, VIRART, was formed specifically to investigate problems ofthis nature. By building up an expertise in VR systems, VIRART aim to liaise with industry and identify where VR can be used. Current systems are not as easy to use as they should be, and VIRART also set out to influence the development of the technology. With respect to industrial applications, VR appears to be useful in several areas:Where the real world is too inaccessible, dangerous, or expensive to model in real life (e.g., nuclear installations).