— This paper builds on the authors' previous work with Augmented Reality (AR) technology as a too... more — This paper builds on the authors' previous work with Augmented Reality (AR) technology as a tool to enhance traditional visualizations and facilitate the understanding of complex information. In this paper, we expand our previous work with AR technology by focusing on the process of creating custom content. Based on users' feedback, we describe and compare various strategies to create 3D models from real objects that can be subsequently integrated into augmented reality scenes. Specifically, we evaluate current 3D scanning technologies that are affordable and suitable for educational applications. We present a comparative analysis of low-cost 3D scanning technologies, its use, integration with AR, and implementation as educational tools. Factors considered in our study include portability, model size, resolution, and post-production requirements.
Recent Advances in Artificial Intelligence Research and Development, 2004
Recent Advances in Artificial Intelligence Research and Development 367 J. Vitrià et al. (Eds.) I... more Recent Advances in Artificial Intelligence Research and Development 367 J. Vitrià et al. (Eds.) IOS Press, 2004 Particle Swarm Optimisation Based 3D Reconstruction of Sketched Line-Drawings Ana PIQUER *, Pedro COMPANY *, Manuel CONTERO + Departament de ...
Abstract: Until now most traces of AR in applications related to mechanic and maintenance tasks h... more Abstract: Until now most traces of AR in applications related to mechanic and maintenance tasks has been performed in very specific systems which could be regarded as quite complex in the field they have been applied to (aircrafts, military equipment, etc.) In this paper we intend making this technology approachable for task and applications more common to everybody. We propose making one of the most frequent maintenance tasks in mountain bikes which is the installation of the brakes system and cartridge shoes as well ...
Globalization has forced enterprises to adapt their products and services to remain competitive i... more Globalization has forced enterprises to adapt their products and services to remain competitive in the free market. Manufacture plays an important role in the competitive aspect; it is where an innovation in the production system could lead to business advantage. These innovations usually involve the key elements in manufacturing systems: machines, tools and resources administration. A reconfigurable manufacturing system (RMS) is one designed for rapid change in its structure and components, to quickly adjust its production capacity and functionality in response to sudden market or intrinsic system changes. However, reconfiguration alone is not enough since it will provide information to produce a certain item but it won’t provide the components that will automate the machine tool for mass production. The process of automation of machine tools is known as retrofit, process being developed and researched in emergent economies. The current retrofit kits are expensive and are not tailo...
Volume 7: 5th International Conference on Micro- and Nanosystems; 8th International Conference on Design and Design Education; 21st Reliability, Stress Analysis, and Failure Prevention Conference, 2011
ABSTRACT The effective representation and communication of design intent plays a crucial role in ... more ABSTRACT The effective representation and communication of design intent plays a crucial role in CAD model alteration activities. In history-based parametric modeling systems, design intent information is usually expressed implicitly within the model. However, there is evidence that suggests that an explicit representation can increase productivity and quality and facilitate the transferring of design knowledge throughout the different stages of the product lifecycle. In this paper, we assess the effectiveness of 3D annotations as mechanisms for explicit design intent representation and examine their impact in model alteration processes that require a direct interaction with the model's geometry. We present the results of a series of studies aimed at measuring user performance and model quality in two scenarios. First, we hypothesized that annotations are valuable tools to provide design information when inadequate modeling assumptions can be made by designers. Second, we evaluated annotations as tools to communicate design decisions when multiple options are available. In both cases, results show statistically significant benefits of annotated models, suggesting the use of this technique as a valuable approach to improve design intent communication.
New interfaces for CAD applications are coming up due to new available devices endowed with alter... more New interfaces for CAD applications are coming up due to new available devices endowed with alternate technology. The use of this kind of interfaces is not extended at all because of the lack of robustness and reliability in recognition and interpretation of user inputs. In this work we develop a first approach of an interpreter of user sketches suitable for working on-line in CAD environments. An agent based architecture for the recogniser is presented. The recognition process uses invariant descriptors as the fast Fourier transform of the radius ...
ABSTRACT This paper describes an approach to convey quality-oriented strategies to CAD trainees b... more ABSTRACT This paper describes an approach to convey quality-oriented strategies to CAD trainees by embedding quality criteria into rubrics so as to force CAD trainees to understand them early in their instruction. To this end, the paper analyzes how CAD quality criteria can be organized around quality dimensions and embedded into rubrics in order to enforce quality modeling during the CAD training of novice product designers. Hence, the ambit of this study is training with history-based parametric feature-based MCAD systems, although the general conclusions are believed to be adaptable to other CAD training scenarios. Furthermore, it introduces an approach based on progressive refinement, which results in an assertions map that indicates quality dimensions vs. sequence of tasks for CAD models. The map illustrates how the expand-contract strategy adapts the rubrics to CAD trainee progress and assists them in comprehending the different dimensions of the rubrics. The paper also highlights lessons learned on the suitability of using separate rubrics for different tasks, the need of accurately timing the expand-contract process, and on the convenience of supporting rubrics with suitable teaching, which must convey good practices and evaluation tools through rubrics. The experiments describe the different lessons learned and illustrate the suggested process for replicating our approach for further developing rubrics adapted to other scenarios.
The creation of new knowledge that comes from Knowledge Mode Conversion (KMC) activities improves... more The creation of new knowledge that comes from Knowledge Mode Conversion (KMC) activities improves New Product Development (NPD) activities. However, there is still limited understanding of “how” a Knowledge Mode Conversion activity varies using collaborative and conversational technologies to improve product development performance. The main contribution of this research is to establish a set of indicators that can be used as guides to help identify effective Knowledge Mode Conversion activities that can be useful for ...
Proceedings of the 2014 IEEE 18th International Conference on Computer Supported Cooperative Work in Design (CSCWD), 2014
ABSTRACT In this paper, we present a computer assisted creativity tool based on natural interface... more ABSTRACT In this paper, we present a computer assisted creativity tool based on natural interfaces that allows the creation of distributed collaborative workspaces by merging the real and digital worlds in a tabletop setting. These workspaces are used to promote the exchange and sharing of graphical information by simulating a physical workbench where designers traditionally work with paper sketches, images, and handwritten notes. Our tool allows users to manage and organize images and textual notes in a natural manner. The application is multiplatform with support for the TUIO protocol and can be run on one or multiple tabletops that can interact with one another. Each group of designers can use a tabletop system, which becomes an interactive window to a virtual common desktop. We present a case study where our team successfully implemented and tested the system in an international collaborative design project.
Proceedings of the 2014 IEEE 18th International Conference on Computer Supported Cooperative Work in Design (CSCWD), 2014
ABSTRACT The development of knowledge-based engineering systems and their integration with CAD en... more ABSTRACT The development of knowledge-based engineering systems and their integration with CAD environments require the use of efficient user interfaces, communication tools, and practical mechanisms to elicit knowledge in order to avoid information-acquisition bottlenecks. Therefore, it is critical to design systems that do not overload users with information and facilitate the representation of knowledge in a simple and friendly manner. The concept of “extended annotation” as a tool to communicate knowledge is a mechanism based on using 3D annotations directly within CAD models, so that stakeholders that participate in the design process can associate textual information to the various aspects of the model, facilitating design intent and design rationale communication. In this paper, we incorporate communication functionalities to the extended annotation concept by presenting an interactive mechanism based on video conferencing that enables users to quickly communicate with the model annotators in situations where the contents of the annotation need to be extended or clarified. This approach eliminates the need for separate communication tools and provides a collaborative space that is built directly into the CAD interface. The system architecture and the foundations for its implementation are described in the final section of the paper. An initial evaluation of a software prototype has shown positive reactions and acceptance among users.
"El objetivo de este libro es ofrecer un recurso metodológico que combina distintas tecn... more "El objetivo de este libro es ofrecer un recurso metodológico que combina distintas tecnologías, con el objeto de facilitar el aprendizaje de aquellos conceptos gráficos y competencias asociadas al análisis de las formas y su representación. Este bloque de contenidos es muy importante para las enseñanzas artísticas y determinante a la hora de elegir ramas tecnológicas. Algunos estudiantes encuentran dificultades en el aprendizaje de estas materias y estas dificultades se traducen en malos resultados, frustración y falta de motivación. La aparición de herramientas gráficas avanzadas, posibilita la creación de nuevos métodos para enfrentarse al análisis de las formas y su representación. En este libro se propone una estructura metodológica que permite combinar varias tecnologías tales como los procedimientos clásicos de lápiz y papel, software de modelado en tres dimensiones y Realidad Aumentada." Este libro fue el precedente al proyecto web: http://www.anfore3d.com/, en el que se incluyen los contenidos de esta publicación y muchos más en torno al Análisis de las Formas y su Representación haciendo uso de distintas tecnologías (Realidad Aumentada, Modelado 3D, Tabletas Digitales, Smartphones, Impresión 3D,...)
— This paper builds on the authors' previous work with Augmented Reality (AR) technology as a too... more — This paper builds on the authors' previous work with Augmented Reality (AR) technology as a tool to enhance traditional visualizations and facilitate the understanding of complex information. In this paper, we expand our previous work with AR technology by focusing on the process of creating custom content. Based on users' feedback, we describe and compare various strategies to create 3D models from real objects that can be subsequently integrated into augmented reality scenes. Specifically, we evaluate current 3D scanning technologies that are affordable and suitable for educational applications. We present a comparative analysis of low-cost 3D scanning technologies, its use, integration with AR, and implementation as educational tools. Factors considered in our study include portability, model size, resolution, and post-production requirements.
Recent Advances in Artificial Intelligence Research and Development, 2004
Recent Advances in Artificial Intelligence Research and Development 367 J. Vitrià et al. (Eds.) I... more Recent Advances in Artificial Intelligence Research and Development 367 J. Vitrià et al. (Eds.) IOS Press, 2004 Particle Swarm Optimisation Based 3D Reconstruction of Sketched Line-Drawings Ana PIQUER *, Pedro COMPANY *, Manuel CONTERO + Departament de ...
Abstract: Until now most traces of AR in applications related to mechanic and maintenance tasks h... more Abstract: Until now most traces of AR in applications related to mechanic and maintenance tasks has been performed in very specific systems which could be regarded as quite complex in the field they have been applied to (aircrafts, military equipment, etc.) In this paper we intend making this technology approachable for task and applications more common to everybody. We propose making one of the most frequent maintenance tasks in mountain bikes which is the installation of the brakes system and cartridge shoes as well ...
Globalization has forced enterprises to adapt their products and services to remain competitive i... more Globalization has forced enterprises to adapt their products and services to remain competitive in the free market. Manufacture plays an important role in the competitive aspect; it is where an innovation in the production system could lead to business advantage. These innovations usually involve the key elements in manufacturing systems: machines, tools and resources administration. A reconfigurable manufacturing system (RMS) is one designed for rapid change in its structure and components, to quickly adjust its production capacity and functionality in response to sudden market or intrinsic system changes. However, reconfiguration alone is not enough since it will provide information to produce a certain item but it won’t provide the components that will automate the machine tool for mass production. The process of automation of machine tools is known as retrofit, process being developed and researched in emergent economies. The current retrofit kits are expensive and are not tailo...
Volume 7: 5th International Conference on Micro- and Nanosystems; 8th International Conference on Design and Design Education; 21st Reliability, Stress Analysis, and Failure Prevention Conference, 2011
ABSTRACT The effective representation and communication of design intent plays a crucial role in ... more ABSTRACT The effective representation and communication of design intent plays a crucial role in CAD model alteration activities. In history-based parametric modeling systems, design intent information is usually expressed implicitly within the model. However, there is evidence that suggests that an explicit representation can increase productivity and quality and facilitate the transferring of design knowledge throughout the different stages of the product lifecycle. In this paper, we assess the effectiveness of 3D annotations as mechanisms for explicit design intent representation and examine their impact in model alteration processes that require a direct interaction with the model's geometry. We present the results of a series of studies aimed at measuring user performance and model quality in two scenarios. First, we hypothesized that annotations are valuable tools to provide design information when inadequate modeling assumptions can be made by designers. Second, we evaluated annotations as tools to communicate design decisions when multiple options are available. In both cases, results show statistically significant benefits of annotated models, suggesting the use of this technique as a valuable approach to improve design intent communication.
New interfaces for CAD applications are coming up due to new available devices endowed with alter... more New interfaces for CAD applications are coming up due to new available devices endowed with alternate technology. The use of this kind of interfaces is not extended at all because of the lack of robustness and reliability in recognition and interpretation of user inputs. In this work we develop a first approach of an interpreter of user sketches suitable for working on-line in CAD environments. An agent based architecture for the recogniser is presented. The recognition process uses invariant descriptors as the fast Fourier transform of the radius ...
ABSTRACT This paper describes an approach to convey quality-oriented strategies to CAD trainees b... more ABSTRACT This paper describes an approach to convey quality-oriented strategies to CAD trainees by embedding quality criteria into rubrics so as to force CAD trainees to understand them early in their instruction. To this end, the paper analyzes how CAD quality criteria can be organized around quality dimensions and embedded into rubrics in order to enforce quality modeling during the CAD training of novice product designers. Hence, the ambit of this study is training with history-based parametric feature-based MCAD systems, although the general conclusions are believed to be adaptable to other CAD training scenarios. Furthermore, it introduces an approach based on progressive refinement, which results in an assertions map that indicates quality dimensions vs. sequence of tasks for CAD models. The map illustrates how the expand-contract strategy adapts the rubrics to CAD trainee progress and assists them in comprehending the different dimensions of the rubrics. The paper also highlights lessons learned on the suitability of using separate rubrics for different tasks, the need of accurately timing the expand-contract process, and on the convenience of supporting rubrics with suitable teaching, which must convey good practices and evaluation tools through rubrics. The experiments describe the different lessons learned and illustrate the suggested process for replicating our approach for further developing rubrics adapted to other scenarios.
The creation of new knowledge that comes from Knowledge Mode Conversion (KMC) activities improves... more The creation of new knowledge that comes from Knowledge Mode Conversion (KMC) activities improves New Product Development (NPD) activities. However, there is still limited understanding of “how” a Knowledge Mode Conversion activity varies using collaborative and conversational technologies to improve product development performance. The main contribution of this research is to establish a set of indicators that can be used as guides to help identify effective Knowledge Mode Conversion activities that can be useful for ...
Proceedings of the 2014 IEEE 18th International Conference on Computer Supported Cooperative Work in Design (CSCWD), 2014
ABSTRACT In this paper, we present a computer assisted creativity tool based on natural interface... more ABSTRACT In this paper, we present a computer assisted creativity tool based on natural interfaces that allows the creation of distributed collaborative workspaces by merging the real and digital worlds in a tabletop setting. These workspaces are used to promote the exchange and sharing of graphical information by simulating a physical workbench where designers traditionally work with paper sketches, images, and handwritten notes. Our tool allows users to manage and organize images and textual notes in a natural manner. The application is multiplatform with support for the TUIO protocol and can be run on one or multiple tabletops that can interact with one another. Each group of designers can use a tabletop system, which becomes an interactive window to a virtual common desktop. We present a case study where our team successfully implemented and tested the system in an international collaborative design project.
Proceedings of the 2014 IEEE 18th International Conference on Computer Supported Cooperative Work in Design (CSCWD), 2014
ABSTRACT The development of knowledge-based engineering systems and their integration with CAD en... more ABSTRACT The development of knowledge-based engineering systems and their integration with CAD environments require the use of efficient user interfaces, communication tools, and practical mechanisms to elicit knowledge in order to avoid information-acquisition bottlenecks. Therefore, it is critical to design systems that do not overload users with information and facilitate the representation of knowledge in a simple and friendly manner. The concept of “extended annotation” as a tool to communicate knowledge is a mechanism based on using 3D annotations directly within CAD models, so that stakeholders that participate in the design process can associate textual information to the various aspects of the model, facilitating design intent and design rationale communication. In this paper, we incorporate communication functionalities to the extended annotation concept by presenting an interactive mechanism based on video conferencing that enables users to quickly communicate with the model annotators in situations where the contents of the annotation need to be extended or clarified. This approach eliminates the need for separate communication tools and provides a collaborative space that is built directly into the CAD interface. The system architecture and the foundations for its implementation are described in the final section of the paper. An initial evaluation of a software prototype has shown positive reactions and acceptance among users.
"El objetivo de este libro es ofrecer un recurso metodológico que combina distintas tecn... more "El objetivo de este libro es ofrecer un recurso metodológico que combina distintas tecnologías, con el objeto de facilitar el aprendizaje de aquellos conceptos gráficos y competencias asociadas al análisis de las formas y su representación. Este bloque de contenidos es muy importante para las enseñanzas artísticas y determinante a la hora de elegir ramas tecnológicas. Algunos estudiantes encuentran dificultades en el aprendizaje de estas materias y estas dificultades se traducen en malos resultados, frustración y falta de motivación. La aparición de herramientas gráficas avanzadas, posibilita la creación de nuevos métodos para enfrentarse al análisis de las formas y su representación. En este libro se propone una estructura metodológica que permite combinar varias tecnologías tales como los procedimientos clásicos de lápiz y papel, software de modelado en tres dimensiones y Realidad Aumentada." Este libro fue el precedente al proyecto web: http://www.anfore3d.com/, en el que se incluyen los contenidos de esta publicación y muchos más en torno al Análisis de las Formas y su Representación haciendo uso de distintas tecnologías (Realidad Aumentada, Modelado 3D, Tabletas Digitales, Smartphones, Impresión 3D,...)
En este trabajo se describe el rediseño de un curso intensivo creado en su origen para la mejora... more En este trabajo se describe el rediseño de un curso intensivo creado en su origen para la mejora de las habilidades espaciales en estudiantes de ingeniería. Con dicho rediseño se pretende como primer objetivo que el curso se adapte a la docencia del análisis y estudio de las formas. El segundo objetivo es categorizar los contenidos por niveles de dificultad y confeccionar la totalidad del curso utilizando materiales digitales (moodle como aula virtual y SketchUp como material de trabajo 3D). El rediseño del curso también nos permitirá crear un material modular que sirva para múltiples niveles y estudios. La categorización de niveles ha sido validada mediante una prueba con alumnos a los cuales se les ha medido los tiempos empleados en realizar los diferentes ejercicios. También se han trabajado todos los aspectos de usabilidad con el objeto de mejorar los resultados del mismo.
There is feasibility in the design and implementation of digital alternative to physical models. ... more There is feasibility in the design and implementation of digital alternative to physical models. Both augmented reality models and digital tablet models must be manipulate by students with their hands or fingers instead of a mouse. These two alternatives can be used in a Virtual Learning Environment (VLA) allowing students to self-study and attend online workshops including manipulation of models. Following on from current studies, two different solutions have been proposed. They include the use of augmented reality files and 3D virtual models manipulated through digital tablets.
Los procesos de enseñanza-aprendizaje del "dibujo" están muy condicionados por las herramientas g... more Los procesos de enseñanza-aprendizaje del "dibujo" están muy condicionados por las herramientas gráficas empleadas. En los últimos años, han surgido diversas tecnologías y nuevos contextos educativos (Espacio Europeo de Educación, educación on-line, ..) que plantean grandes retos en el campo de la enseñanza del "dibujo". Al mencionar las Tecnologías Gráficas Avanzadas (TGAs) se hace referencia, a aquellas que pueden tener impacto en la enseñanza. En el contexto específico de la enseñanza del dibujo, diseño y artes plásticas, dentro de estas tecnologías existen unas con mayor potencialidad por sus posibilidades gráficas. Entre ellas, están la realidad aumentada, las tabletas digitales o los smartphones. Además, la evolución y mayor accesibilidad de otras tecnologías como el modelado 3D o los eBooks multimedia, permiten diseñar recursos educativos con unas posibilidades gráficas inimaginables hace apenas unos años.
En este trabajo de tesis se han diseñado nuevos recursos didácticos mediante el uso de tecnologías gráficas avanzadas dirigidas a la enseñanza de dibujo, diseño y artes plásticas. Dicho material se ha probado en distintos centros y niveles educativos (Enseñanza Secundaria Obligatoria (ESO), Bachiller, Formación Profesional y Grados Universitarios.) para evaluar aspectos, como por ejemplo: mejora de competencias, habilidades espaciales, influencia en la elección de estudios, mejora académica, grado de satisfacción con la metodología y la tecnología empleada. También, se estudian aspectos sugeridos por el nuevo espacio europeo de educación como favorecer la autonomía del alumno, el trabajo en grupo, la tutorización, el aprendizaje informal.
A nivel general, los trabajos de esta tesis están estructurados en dos partes. La primera que gira en torno a un taller de modelado 3D para el análisis y la representación de las formas y la segunda que gira en torno al uso de las tabletas digitales en la enseñanza del "dibujo". Estas dos dimensiones de la tesis, están interrelacionadas ampliamente, ya que una parte importante de la tecnología aplicada al taller de modelado, está basado en tabletas digitales. La metodología general empleada, para la elaboración de contenidos educativos, sigue un proceso de diseño incremental centrado en el usuario, en el sentido de que dichos contenidos son evaluados y validados a través de experiencias prácticas con los usuarios finales, que en este caso son profesores y alumnos. En esta tesis se detallan los diseños de materiales, las experiencias realizadas y las conclusiones obtenidas en las variables estudiadas.
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Papers by Manuel Contero
En este trabajo de tesis se han diseñado nuevos recursos didácticos mediante el uso de tecnologías gráficas avanzadas dirigidas a la enseñanza de dibujo, diseño y artes plásticas. Dicho material se ha probado en distintos centros y niveles educativos (Enseñanza Secundaria Obligatoria (ESO), Bachiller, Formación Profesional y Grados Universitarios.) para evaluar aspectos, como por ejemplo: mejora de competencias, habilidades espaciales, influencia en la elección de estudios, mejora académica, grado de satisfacción con la metodología y la tecnología empleada. También, se estudian aspectos sugeridos por el nuevo espacio europeo de educación como favorecer la autonomía del alumno, el trabajo en grupo, la tutorización, el aprendizaje informal.
A nivel general, los trabajos de esta tesis están estructurados en dos partes. La primera que gira en torno a un taller de modelado 3D para el análisis y la representación de las formas y la segunda que gira en torno al uso de las tabletas digitales en la enseñanza del "dibujo". Estas dos dimensiones de la tesis, están interrelacionadas ampliamente, ya que una parte importante de la tecnología aplicada al taller de modelado, está basado en tabletas digitales. La metodología general empleada, para la elaboración de contenidos educativos, sigue un proceso de diseño incremental centrado en el usuario, en el sentido de que dichos contenidos son evaluados y validados a través de experiencias prácticas con los usuarios finales, que en este caso son profesores y alumnos. En esta tesis se detallan los diseños de materiales, las experiencias realizadas y las conclusiones obtenidas en las variables estudiadas.