Virtual Prototyping (VP) technique has been interpreted in many different ways, which causes confusion and misunderstanding among researchers and practitioners. Based on a review of the current related research and application, this paper proposes a definition of VP as well as components of a virtual prototype. VP is then compared with and distinguished from virtual reality (VR), virtual environment (VE), and virtual manufacturing (VM) techniques. Given the proposed definition and review of VP, future VP related research topics are suggested.

Issue Section:
Technical Note
Keywords:
Virtual Prototyping, Virtual Reality, Computer Simulation, Virtual Environment, Virtual Manufacturing, rapid prototyping (industrial), virtual reality, engineering graphics
Topics:
Design, Engineering prototypes, Virtual assembly, Virtual reality, Computer simulation
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