Towards Augmented Reality Guiding Systems: An Engineering Design of an Immersive System for Complex 3D Printing Repair Process

• Published in: 2023 IEEE Conference on Virtual Reality and 3D User Interfaces Abstracts and Workshops (VRW) pp. 384 - 389
• Main Authors: Bozzi, Luca O. Solari, Samson, Kerr D. G., Tadeja, Slawomir, Bohne, Thomas, Pattinson, Sebastian
• Format: Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: IEEE 01.03.2023
• Subjects: Computing methodologies-Computer graphics-Graphics systems and interfacesMixed / augmented reality; Design methodology; Human-centered computing-Interaction design-Empirical studies in interaction design; Human-centered computing-Visualization-Visualization design and evaluation methods; Maintenance engineering; Printers; Three-dimensional displays; Three-dimensional printing; Training; User interfaces
• DOI: 10.1109/VRW58643.2023.00084

Over the past decade, additive manufacturing (AM) has become widely adopted for both prototyping and, more recently, end-use products. In particular, fused deposition modeling (FDM) is the most widespread form of additive manufacturing due to its low cost, ease of use, and versatility. While additive processes are relatively automated, many steps in their operation and repair require trained human operators. Finding such operators can be difficult, as highlighted during the recent COVID-19 pandemic. Augmented reality (AR) systems could significantly help address this challenge by automating the training for 3D printer operators. Given multidimensional design choices, however, a research gap exists in the system requirements for such immersive guidance. To address this need, we explore the applicability of AR to guide users through a repair process. In that context, we report on the system design as well as the results of the AR system assessment in a qualitative study with experts.