A high variety of peripherals for the interaction between human and computer is available (e.g. Mouse, Touch and Camera). Therefore the peripherals communicate in different ways with the computer and its applications. The library VRPN is a common, generalized interface between peripherals and VR applications to reduce the development effort. Its main advantages are the system independent client-server architecture with real-time capability and the easy implementation of new peripheral devices. The proposed paper describes the adaption and extension of the VRPN concept to address the challenges of engineering like modeling, evaluation, simulation and modification. Innovative interaction devices have the capability to enhance engineering applications with comparatively small effort but great benefit. As an example a VRPN client is implemented into the CAD application SolidWorks. This enables the use of any interaction device which is supported by VRPN. For example, the designer can control the model view by human movement via tracking device like the Microsoft Kinect or the Geomagic Touch. The data transfer can be either established in a synchronous or in an asynchronous manner. Regarding synchronous transfer, the server-client architecture was implemented in different applications (e.g. CAD, VR). In order to realize a time shifted asynchronous transfer a recorder-player middleware was developed.
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