A knowledge model to read 3D annotations on a virtual mock-up for collaborative design

This article describes the concept of knowledge integration in a 3D collaborative virtual environment. This concept characterizes collaborative design in terms of two models introduced in this article -an annotation model with a semantic metadata notion - and a knowledge model to capitalize and to manage annotations - MATRICS environment. We briefly describe this approach. Then we present the results of an empirical study in which subjects performed annotation tasks with the support of an ontology visualization 2D tool and through the navigation in the 3D annotations. This study shows that the knowledge model improves the quality of the understanding of design projects.