Application of Augmented Reality in Engineering Graphics Education

Engineering graphics (EG) is the subject of transferring information from design into manufacture. Developing ability to create and read graphical representation of engineering structure is essential for individual. Therefore, training engineers able to use the graphical language to communicate is vital in every engineering college. However, in the classroom, where lecture time is limited, it is hard for the instructors to illustrate clearly the relationship between the 3D geometry and their 2D projection using only one kind of presenting technique. This work gives a brief insight into the potential and challenges of using Augmented Reality (AR) in Engineering Graphics Education. An AR-based system specifically designed for EG instruction were studied and developed. The system aims at improving the spatial awareness and interest of learning. Our own interest is to apply the AR system to Engineering Graphics instruction and provide the students with their own unique discovery path. The AR application enables faster comprehension of complex spatial problems and relationships which will benefit the students greatly during their learning processes. The AR-based method is proved to be effective teaching aids for engineering graphics courses and applying AR technology to support learning activities may become a trend in the future.