Customer-oriented systems design through virtual prototypes

Rapid prototyping based on 3D models is well accepted for several applications. This article addresses the application of animated virtual 3D prototypes for the development of computer-based systems supporting early collaboration of the system designer with the external customer. Our methodology seamlessly integrates illustration through 3D animation with the main tasks of computer-based real-time systems development, i.e., implementation and verification. The approach is outlined by the example of the design of a flexible manufacturing system.