Interactive Workshop Media
Interactive Workshop Media Open up new Possibilities
The time management of visits to passenger car workshops makes a crucial contribution to customer satisfaction. Complex repairs in challenging installation geometries can be very time-consuming. The law prescribes comprehensive repair instructions for each vehicle derivate, but it does not specify all of the parameters. Formel D develops easy-to-understand workshop literature with multimedia approaches and an especially high information content with the aim of supporting a convenient and effective repair process.
Accelerated developmental cycles and an increasing density of derivates in vehicles mean that virtual models are replacing real prototypes more and more frequently as the latter are relatively costly and are often not available. In the development of economical repair methods with maximum time efficiency, therefore, Formel D makes targeted use of new media such as a projection screen which even enables two-handed interaction (immersive powerwall). The engineers can do without real prototypes by initially using existing CAE data from product development to program 3D models. Each component is true to detail, including its physical properties. The model and the interactive documents generated from it for example map gravity in the form of weight and center of gravity, but kinematic chains can also be mapped, and the collision behavior is taken into account too. The engineers from Formel D analyze the installation situation and measure the spaces between individual components and modules, enabling them to define effective tools. Finally, they determine the case-specific repair time using an MTM software for the time analysis of work procedures.
- Virtual models are replacing real prototypes more and more frequently
Time and Data Management
In contrast to static handbooks, interactive documents offer not only a considerably higher information density, but also options for comparing differently equipped variants. Depending on the complexity of the structure and the situation described in each case, this makes the additional effort more manageable in comparison with the procedure followed previously in the preparation of workshop literature. Also, the animations included can be output in video format for training purposes etc., and the clear focus on pictorial language enables problem-free adjustment to various markets.
- Multimedia documents support the workshops for highly complex repairs.
Hands-on Workshop Literature
Workshop literature is currently dominated by static documents, and they will probably be retained for less complex matters at first. For highly complex repairs, however, multimedia documents support the workshops by helping to avoid approaches which do not contribute to the intended aim.
Whereas the preparation of the interactive documents makes high demands on hardware and software, the users only require a PDF reader on a PC or a mobile terminal device in order to enjoy the benefits of augmented reality. Early on, during diagnosis, apps support the mechanic with camera-based component detection, for example. Then the geometrical and systematic surroundings of the component involved can be virtually examined in detail. Numerous options are available to users, from rotation by 360° and the selection of a system section to the possibility of zooming in. This is all possible without driving the vehicle onto a lifting platform or removing a single covering. The share of interactive documents in workshop literature is rising constantly whereas the demand for static documents is on the wane. For many years now, Formel D has been working with CAE data and developing proactive solutions in the field of augmented reality. The focus is on user-friendliness, process optimization, economic efficiency and diversification.