What is v-CAx; it is the acronym for a new NSF I/UCRC Center site that falls under the NSF sponsored Center for e-Design. It stands for New (Nu) Computer-Aided Applications that are truly collaborative. v-CAx will transition current single user CAx architectures to multi-user where several users can simultaneously modify CAx models, including assemblies.
The ν-CAx site will investigate and, with the assistance of member companies, modify single user CAx architectures to enhance process concurrency for multi-user collaboration, thus reducing product development cycle times, which reduce consumed energy and conserves our natural resources.
This research is focused on artificial limitations in CAx applications that prohibit several product engineers from working collaboratively and simultaneously on product models. We note that current computer operating systems and computer aided applications are designed for single users with single screen cursors. By leveraging advances in networks, networked multi-user gaming technologies, and by modifying core API libraries, we will permit one or more users to simultaneously modify one or more product models on one or more computers, greatly reducing product development design to manufacturing cycle times.
Industry members play an active role in identifying, approving and monitoring the research projects conducted by the v-CAx site. The site’s research will be a mix of strong basic/fundamental and applied activities. Member companies will benefit from both aspects of our relevant computer-aided applications and methods research.
v-CAx site is one of eight sites that make up the National Science Foundation Center for e-Design.
Click here to visit the home site for v-CAx.