Advanced 3D Modeling for Augmented Reality Visualizations in Engineering Education: Issues, Challenges, and Future

Abstract

Augmented Reality (AR), the superimposing of a virtual object on the view of the real environment, assists in visualizing engineering concepts in real-time. Computer graphics-based 3D modeling techniques evolved over the past five decades are being used in AR systems. Representations of 3D objects using polygons, surface patches, points (or voxels), and lines are insufficient to visualize the intricacies of objects having curved surfaces. To enable high-level control and accuracies pertaining to 3D representational details of 3D models, advanced 3D modeling approaches are needed. In this paper, we discuss (along with their suitability, examples, and advantages) several advanced 3D modeling techniques for AR visualizations. We emphasize that the use of AR visualizations for teaching and learning can help learners with a better understanding of concepts in engineering education. Additionally, we discuss some issues, challenges, and the future scope of use of AR in Engineering Education.