Enabling Interactive Augmented Prototyping by a Portable Hardware and a Plug-In-Based Software Architecture

Interactive Augmented Prototyping (IAP) combines digital and physical modeling means to support design processes. Although pilot implementations indicate a possible added value, practical use is hindered by the fact that no Off-the-shelf solution exists.. Based on empirical studies and assessment of emerging technologies, this article introduces a projector-based IAP hardware platform called I/O Pad. Furthermore, a flexible software architecture is presented that supports a multitude of input devices and usage scenarios. In this architecture, an existing 3D CAD system is extended by a collection of plug-ins. The plug-ins are responsible for managing specific elements of the interactive augmented prototyping process. A first implementation has been developed, using a small projector and a handheld PC, which proves the wireless versatility of the hardware platform. The proposed software architecture allows the designer to work in a familiar modeling environment yet includes powerful concepts from tangible user interfaces to support several types of interaction with physical components.

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