Virtual Manufacturing : Virtual Reality and Computer Vision Techniques

Bridges the gap between virtual reality and computer vision in manufacturing What will it take to make virtual manufacturing a reality? In this groundbreaking book, leading VR researchers reveal the latest findings in key areas that are driving the development of this revolutionary new technology. In addition to workcell management, real-time exact collision detection, motion modeling, avatar modeling, and virtual-real environment interaction in training, Virtual Manufacturing explores camera self-calibration, stereo vision, and other connections between VR and computer vision. These connections enable automation techniques that can expedite the creation of virtual environments.
Introducing virtual manufacturing, illustrating applications, and highlighting research issues, this cutting-edge volume:
* Presents principles of computer graphics, virtual reality, depth extraction, and shape reconstruction
* Develops numerous virtual manufacturing applications
* Features a color insert with screen shots of applications The first book to cover what may be the most significant development in manufacturing since the assembly line, Virtual Manufacturing is must reading for researchers, engineers, and scientists working in mechanical engineering, industrial engineering, and computer science as well as for students and academics in these areas.

PRASHANT BANERJEE, PhD, is a professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Illinois-Chicago and Director of the Industrial Virtual Reality Institute, a joint R&D entity set up by the University of Illinois-Chicago, Northwestern University, and Argonne National Laboratory. He is one of the top researchers in the areas linking virtual reality and Web-based production to manufacturing.

DAN ZETU, PhD, is a research engineer with Automated Analysis Corporation performing on-site consulting at General Motors Technical Center in Warren, Michigan. He completed his PhD at the Industrial Virtual Reality Institute.