Human computer interaction (HCI) plays a vital role in bridging the 'Digital Divide', bringing people closer to consumer electronics control in the 'lounge'. Keyboards and mouse or remotes do alienate old and new generations alike from control interfaces. Hand Gesture Recognition systems bring hope of connecting people with machines in a natural way. This will lead to consumers being able to use their hands naturally to communicate with any electronic equipment in their 'lounge.' This monograph will include the state of the art hand gesture recognition approaches and how they evolved from their inception. The author would also detail his research in this area for the past 8 years and how the future might turn out to be using HCI. This monograph will serve as a valuable guide for researchers (who would endeavour into) in the world of HCI.

As virtual reality expands from the imaginary worlds of science fiction and pervades every corner of everyday life, it is becoming increasingly important for students and professionals alike to understand the diverse aspects of this technology. This book aims to provide a comprehensive guide to the theoretical and practical elements of virtual reality, from the mathematical and technological foundations of virtual worlds to the human factors and the applications that enrich our lives: in the fields of medicine, entertainment, education and others. After providing a brief introduction to the topic, the book describes the kinematic and dynamic mathematical models of virtual worlds. It explores the many ways a computer can track and interpret human movement, then progresses through the modalities that make up a virtual world: visual, acoustic and haptic. It explores the interaction between the actual and virtual environments, as well as design principles of the latter. The book closes with an examination of different applications, focusing on augmented reality as a special case. Though the content is primarily VR-related, it is also relevant for many other fields.

This book discusses the relationship between the philosophy of science and philosophy of engineering, and demonstrates how philosophers of engineering design as well as design researchers can benefit from the conceptual toolkit that the philosophy of science has to offer. In this regard, it employs conceptual tools from the philosophical literature on scientific explanation to address key issues in engineering design and philosophy of engineering design. Specifically, the book focuses on assessing the explanatory value of function ascriptions used in engineering design and philosophy of technical functions; on elaborating the structure of explanation in engineering design; on assessing the role and value of design representations in engineering design and philosophy thereof; and on elaborating means for the testing of design methods. Presenting a novel and effective approach to tackling key issues in the field, philosophers of engineering and design alike will greatly benefit from this book.

This book reviews efforts to produce chemicals and fuels from forest and plant products, agricultural residues and more. Algae can potentially capture solar energy and atmospheric CO2; the book details needed research and legislative initiatives.

Exploring the concept of quality management from a new point of view, this book presents a holistic model of how consumers judge the quality of products. It links consumer perceptions of quality to the design and delivery of the final product, and presents models and methods for improving the quality of these products and services. It offers readers an improved understanding of how and why the design process must consider how the consumer will perceive a product or service. In order to facilitate the presentation and understanding of these concepts, illustrations and case examples are also provided throughout the book. This book provides an invaluable resource for managers, designers, manufacturers, professional practitioners and academics interested in quality management. It also offers a useful supplementary text for marketing and quality management courses.

While investigations into both theories and models has remained a major strand of engineering design research, current literature sorely lacks a reference book that provides a comprehensive and up-to-date anthology of theories and models, and their philosophical and empirical underpinnings; An Anthology of Theories and Models of Design fills this gap. The text collects the expert views of an international authorship, covering: * significant theories in engineering design, including CK theory, domain theory, and the theory of technical systems; * current models of design, from a function behavior structure model to an integrated model; * important empirical research findings from studies into design; and * philosophical underpinnings of design itself. For educators and researchers in engineering design, An Anthology of Theories and Models of Design gives access to in-depth coverage of theoretical and empirical developments in this area; for practitioners, the book will provide exposure to theoretical and empirical foundations to methods and tools that are currently practiced as well as those in the process of development.

Up-to-date documentation on the current scope of the research of Rapid Prototyping, Tooling and Manufacturing. Explains and details the latest techniques and materials used for RP, RT and RM. Develops methodologies and technologies to support in a customer-focused product design and mass customization approach to production.

This book offers an essential compendium on the analysis and design of synchronous motors for variable-speed applications. Focusing on synchronous reluctance and ferrite permanent-magnet (PM) synchronous reluctance machines, it provides a broad perspective on three-phase machines for variable speed applications, a field currently dominated by asynchronous machines and rare-earth PM synchronous machines. It also describes synchronous reluctance machines and PM machines without rare-earth materials, comparing them to state-of-the-art solutions. The book provides readers with extensive information on and finite element models of PM synchronous machines, including all relevant equations and with an emphasis on synchronous-reluctance and PM-assisted synchronous-reluctance machines. It covers ferrite-assisted machines, modeled as a subcase of PM-assistance, fractional slot combinations solutions, and a quantitative, normalized comparison of torque capability with benchmark PM machines. The book discusses a wealth of techniques for identifying machine parameters, with an emphasis on self-commissioning algorithms, and presents methods for automated machine design and optimization, including a software tool developed for this purpose. Addressing an important gap in the field of PM-less and less-PM electrical machines, it is intended as a self-contained reference guide for both graduate students and professional machine designers, and as a useful text for university courses on automated and/or optimized design of electrical machines and drives.

Problems of fatigue under multiaxial fatigue loads have been addressed in a very large number of research publications. The present publication is primarily a survey of biaxial fatigue under constant amplitude loading on metal specimens. It starts with the physical understanding of the fatigue phenomenon under biaxial fatigue loads. Various types of proportional and non-proportional biaxial fatigue loads and biaxial stress distributions in a material are specified. Attention is paid to the fatigue limit, crack nucleation, initial micro crack growth and subsequent macro-crack in different modes of crack growth. The interference between the upper and lower surfaces of a fatigue crack is discussed. Possibilities for predictions of biaxial fatigue properties are analysed with reference to the similarity concept. The significance of the present understanding for structural design problems is considered. The book is completed with a summary of major observations.

As a cultivated form of invention, product design is a deeply human phenomenon that enables us to shape, modify and alter the world around us - for better or worse. The recent emergence of the sustainability imperative in product design compels us to recalibrate the parameters of good design in an unsustainable age. Written by designers, for designers, the Routledge Handbook of Sustainable Product Design presents the first systematic overview of the burgeoning field of sustainable product design. Brimming with intelligent viewpoints, critical propositions, practical examples and rich theoretical analyses, this book provides an essential point of reference for scholars and practitioners at the intersection of product design and sustainability. The book takes readers to the depth of our engagements with the designed world to advance the social and ecological purpose of product design as a critical twenty-first-century practice. Comprising 35 chapters across 6 thematic parts, the book's contributors include the most significant international thinkers in this dynamic and evolving field.

Nonlinear dynamics has been enjoying a vast development for nearly four decades resulting in a range of well established theory, with the potential to significantly enhance performance, effectiveness, reliability and safety of physical systems as well as offering novel technologies and designs. By critically appraising the state of the art, it is now time to develop design criteria and technology for new generation products/processes operating on principles of nonlinear interaction and in the nonlinear regime, leading to more effective, sensitive, accurate, and durable methods than what is currently available. This new approach is expected to radically influence the design, control and exploitation paradigms, in a magnitude of contexts. With a strong emphasis on experimentally calibrated and validated models, contributions by top-level international experts will foster future directions for the development of engineering technologies and design using robust nonlinear dynamics modelling and analysis.

This book contains papers on a wide range of topics in the area of kinematics, mechanisms, robotics, and design, addressing new research advances and innovations in design education. The content is divided into five main categories headed 'Historical Perspectives', 'Kinematics and Mechanisms', 'Robotic Systems', 'Legged Locomotion', and 'Design Engineering Education'. Contributions take the form of survey articles, historical perspectives, commentaries on trends on education or research, original research contributions, and papers on design education. This volume celebrates the achievements of Professor Kenneth Waldron who has made innumerable and invaluable contributions to these fields in the last fifty years. His leadership and his pioneering work have influenced thousands of people in this discipline.

This edited volume presents the proceedings of the 20th CIRP LCE Conference, which cover various areas in life cycle engineering such as life cycle design, end-of-life management, manufacturing processes, manufacturing systems, methods and tools for sustainability, social sustainability, supply chain management, remanufacturing, etc.

"Design and Development of Biological, Chemical, Food and Pharmaceutical Produ"cts has been developed from course material from the authors' course in Chemical and Biochemical Product Design which has been running at the Technical University Denmark for years. The book draws on the authors' years of experience in academia and industry to provide an accessible introduction to this field, approaching product development as a subject in its own right rather than a sideline of process engineering

In this subject area, practical experience is the key to learning and this textbook provides examples and techniques to help the student get the best out of their projects. Design and Development of Biological, Chemical, Food and Pharma Products aims to aid students in developing good working habits for product development. Students are challenged with examples of real problems that they might encounter as engineers.

Written in an informal, student-friendly tone, this unique book includes examples of real products and experiences from real companies to bring the subject alive for the student as well as placing emphasis on problem solving and team learning to set a foundation for a future in industry. The book includes an introduction to the subject of Colloid Science, which is important in product development, but neglected in many curricula. Knowledge of engineering calculus and basic physical chemistry as well as basic inorganic and organic chemistry are assumed.

An invaluable text for students of product design in chemical engineering, biochemistry, biotechnology, pharmaceutical sciences and product development.Uses many examples and case studies drawn from a range of industries.

Approaches product development as a subject in its own right rather than a sideline of process engineering

Emphasizes a problem solving and team learning approach.

Assumes some knowledge of calculus, basic physical chemistry and basic transport phenomena as well as some inorganic and organic chemistry.

Multi-finger Haptic Interaction presents a panorama of technologies and methods for multi-finger haptic interaction, together with an analysis of the benefits and implications of adding multiple-fingers to haptic applications. Research topics covered include: design and control of advanced haptic devices; multi-contact point simulation algorithms; interaction techniques and implications in human perception when interacting with multiple fingers. These multi-disciplinary results are integrated into applications such as medical simulators for training manual skills, simulators for virtual prototyping and precise manipulations in remote environments. Multi-finger Haptic Interaction presents the current and potential applications that can be developed with these systems, and details the systems' complexity. The research is focused on enhancing haptic interaction by providing multiple contact points to the user. This state-of-the-art volume is oriented towards researchers who are involved in haptic device design, rendering methods and perception studies, as well as readers from different disciplines who are interested in applying multi-finger haptic technologies and methods to their field of interest.

Globalisation of the world's economy is leading to rapid change and uncertainties in society, politics and markets.

Product design strategies need to respond to these developments. Product Concept Design meets the needs and expectations of academia and practitioners working in design by focussing on the methods for creating products and design strategies in today's fast-changing business environment.

Product Concept Design has been written by a collection of researchers and practising designers from leading companies such as Nokia and Volvo and provides a goldmine of ideas for designers and managers in industry, as well as lecturers in design and design engineering and their students.

Dynamics of Coupled Structures, Volume 4. Proceedings of the 33rd IMAC, A Conference and Exposition on Balancing Simulation and Testing, 2015, the fourth volume of ten from the Conference brings together contributions to this important area of research and engineering. The collection presents early findings and case studies on fundamental and applied aspects of Structural Dynamics, including papers on: Substructuring and the Ampair Wind Turbine Test Bed Experimental Dynamic Substructuring Reduced Order Models Experimental Studies of Joints and Joined Structures Analytical/Numerical Modeling of Joints Industrial Applications of Substructuring

This book presents a concise, real-world description of DITA principles. Explanations are provided on the basis of simple, applicable examples. The book will be an excellent introduction for DITA novices and is ideal as a first orientation for optimizing your information environment.

Is creativity something that we are simply born with and cannot hone with effort? Some say that creativity cannot be cultivated. Is it true? In general our thinking sticks to reality unless there is any external stimulation. With our thinking fixed on a certain situation, it becomes difficult to come up with a fresh idea. In this regard, three questions are suggested: (1) Question of Time: When a problem arises, question yourself on a time axis first of all. How would the matter be handled 10 or 20 years from now? (2) Question of Space: Ask yourself some questions on its spatial elements. How would the matter be handled in Saudi Arabia or in China? (3) Question of Field: Apply the given problem in a variety of fields. How would the matter be handled in the field of music or electronic engineering? The three questions suggested here are given on the three axes: time, space, and field, and this book deals with theoretical and practical aspects on the topics. In this way it is a unique book about the systematic method of developing creativity, which will have appeal to researchers and students in multidisciplinary fields from neuroscience to physics, and engineering and computer science, as well as a general public.

A proper quality of a track and other infrastructure objects represents a basic requirement for train safety and punctuality. Most of the physical systems and their components deteriorate over time. This affects performance and may lead to failures. Albert Einstein said, "You have to learn the rules of the game. And then you have to play better than anyone else." Only if we understand how the whole system works, taking into account its imperfections and how they influence its quality and performance will we be able to learn the rules of the game and "play better." The book provides the readers with the necessary functional knowledge of track behaviour and comprehensively covers the function of the various track components, their interaction as elements of the track system, as well as the interaction of the track with railway vehicles. By presenting important tools for a deep understanding of track-behaviour this book aims to be a reference guide for infrastructure managers and to help them to find ways improving track quality for optimum long-term behaviour.

Mechanics of Machinery describes the analysis of machines, covering both the graphical and analytical methods for examining the kinematics and dynamics of mechanisms with low and high pairs. This text, developed and updated from a version published in 1973, includes analytical analysis for all topics discussed, allowing for the use of math software for fast, precise analysis. The chapters include the following: * Introduction of various mechanisms-such as four-revolute-pairs chain, double-slider, and compound mechanisms-and their motions and functions, with analytical analysis of each one * Velocities and accelerations in mechanisms, using graphical and analytical analysis * Analysis of sliding links using a theory developed by the author, which replaces the Coriolis component and is generally easier to apply * Discussion of cams, with an emphasis on factors affecting cam design, such as the pressure angle and the radius of curvature * The geometry and kinematics of a wide range of gears * Force analysis in mechanisms-namely, static force, friction force, and dynamic force analysis * Balancing machines, specifically rotating parts and reciprocating parts, as well as in-place balancing using vibration measurements A reference for both students and professionals in mechanical engineering, this informative text offers a deeper understanding of kinematics and related applications. It also supplies the fundamentals to enable readers to apply procedures to problems they may encounter in the future.

Student design engineers often require a "cookbook" approach to solving certain problems in mechanical engineering. With this focus on providing simplified information that is easy to retrieve, retired mechanical design engineer Keith L. Richards has written Design Engineer's Handbook. This book conveys the author's insights from his decades of experience in fields ranging from machine tools to aerospace. Sharing the vast knowledge and experience that has served him well in his own career, this book is specifically aimed at the student design engineer who has left full- or part-time academic studies and requires a handy reference handbook to use in practice. Full of material often left out of many academic references, this book includes important in-depth coverage of key topics, such as: Effects of fatigue and fracture in catastrophic failures Lugs and shear pins Helical compression springs Thick-walled or compound cylinders Cam and follower design Beams and torsion Limits and fits and gear systems Use of Mohr's circle in both analytical and experimental stress analysis This guide has been written not to replace established primary reference books but to provide a secondary handbook that gives student designers additional guidance. Helping readers determine the most efficiently designed and cost-effective solutions to a variety of engineering problems, this book offers a wealth of tables, graphs, and detailed design examples that will benefit new mechanical engineers from all walks.

Through a series of step-by-step tutorials and numerous hands-on exercises, this book aims to equip the reader with both a good understanding of the importance of space in the abstract world of engineers and the ability to create a model of a product in virtual space – a skill essential for any designer or engineer who needs to present ideas concerning a particular product within a professional environment. The exercises progress logically from the simple to the more complex; while Solid Works or NX is the software used, the underlying philosophy is applicable to all modeling software. In each case, the explanation covers the entire procedure from the basic idea and production capabilities through to the real model; the conversion from 3D model to 2D manufacturing drawing is also clearly explained. Topics covered include modeling of prism, axisymmetric, symmetric and sophisticated shapes; digitization of physical models using modeling software; creation of a CAD model starting from a physical model; free form surface modeling; modeling of product assemblies following bottom-up and top-down principles; and the presentation of a product in accordance with the rules of technical documentation. This book, which includes more than 500 figures, will be ideal for students wishing to gain a sound grasp of space modeling techniques. Academics and professionals will find it to be an excellent teaching and research aid, and an easy-to-use guide.

This book focuses on emerging issues in ergonomics, with a special emphasis on modeling, usability engineering, human computer interaction and innovative design concepts. It presents advanced theories in human factors, cutting-edge applications aimed at understanding and improving human interaction with products and systems, and discusses important usability issues. The book covers a wealth of topics, including devices and user interfaces, virtual reality and digital environments, user and product evaluation, and limits and capabilities of special populations, particularly the elderly population. It presents both new research methods and user-centered evaluation approaches. Based on the AHFE 2016 International Conference on Ergonomics Modeling, Usability and Special Populations, held on July 27-31, 2016, in Walt Disney World (R), Florida, USA, the book addresses professionals, researchers, and students dealing with visual and haptic interfaces, user-centered design, and design for special populations, particularly the elderly.

This book deals with human factors research directed towards realizing and assessing sustainability in the built environment. It reports on advanced engineering methods for sustainable infrastructure design, as well as on assessments of the efficient methods and the social, environmental, and economic impact of various designs and projects. The book covers a range of topics, including the use of recycled materials in architecture, ergonomics in buildings and public design, sustainable design for smart cities, design for the aging population, industrial design, human scale in architecture, and many more. Based on the AHFE 2016 International Conference on Human Factors and Sustainable Infrastructure, held on July 27-31, 2016, in Walt Disney World (R), Florida, USA, this book, by showing different perspectives on sustainability and ergonomics, represents a useful source of information for designers in general, urban engineers, architects, infrastructure professionals, practitioners, public infrastructure owners, policy makers, government engineers and planners, as well as operations managers, and academics active in applied research.