articles+ search results

Algorithm, Sensors -- Analysis, Wireless sensor networks -- Analysis, and Algorithms -- Analysis

Keywords Tissue P System; Wireless Sensor Network; Multi-Objective problem; Task Assignment; Decision Support System; Parallel computing; Sustainable computing Abstract The contemporary wireless sensor applications employ a Heterogeneous Wireless Sensor Network (HeWSN) to achieve its multi-objective missions. Modern wireless nodes constituting the HeWSN are more versatile in terms of its capabilities, functionalities, and applications. Assigning tasks in a dynamic HeWSN environment are challenging due to its inherent heterogeneous properties and capabilities. The investigation of existing task assignment algorithms reveals (i) the majority of the existing task assignment algorithms were designed for the homogeneous environment, (ii) most of the nature-inspired algorithms were built for centralized architecture. Scheduling tasks by existing task assignment algorithms lead to underutilization of resources as well as to the rapid depletion of network resources. To this end, a novel, distributed, heterogeneous task assignment algorithm adhering the modern sensors capabilities, functionalities and sensor application to attain sustainable computing is required. Based on the investigation, Tissue P-System inspired task assignment algorithm for the distributed heterogeneous WSN has been modelled. The experimental analyses of the proposed method have been self-evaluated as well as compared with the corresponding recent benchmark algorithms under various conditions and its performance metrics are analysed. Author Affiliation: Karunya Institute of Technology & Sciences, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu 641 114, India * Corresponding author. Article History: Received 18 November 2019; Revised 11 June 2020; Accepted 21 June 2020 (footnote) Peer review under responsibility of King Saud University. Byline: Titus Issac [titusissac@gmail.com] (*), Salaja Silas, Elijah Blessing Rajsingh

Algorithms -- Analysis and Algorithm

Teaching -- Usage, Teaching -- Methods, and Teaching -- Study and teaching

Given the ubiquity of interfaces on computing devices, it is essential for future Information Systems (IS) professionals to understand the ramifications of good user interface (UI) design. This article provides instructions on how to efficiently and effectively teach IS students about "fit," a Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) concept, through a paper prototyping activity. Although easy to explain, the concept of "fit" can be difficult to understand without repeated practice. Practically, designing "fit" into UIs can be cost-prohibitive because working prototypes are often beyond students' technical skillset. Accordingly, based on principles of active learning, we show how to use paper prototyping to demonstrate "fit" in a hands-on class exercise. We provide detailed stepby-step instructions to plan, setup, and present the exercise to guide students through the process of "fit" in UI design. As a result of this activity, students are better able to employ both theoretical and practical applications of "fit" in UI design and implementation. This exercise is applicable in any course that includes UI design, such as principles of HCI, systems analysis and design, software engineering, and project management. Keywords: Human-computer interaction (HCI), Paper prototyping, Active learning, Constructionism, Teaching tip
1. INTRODUCTION With computing devices peppering nearly every aspect of our lives, how people interact with these technologies is critically important to all computing fields. In fact, failure to properly [...]

Implant dentures -- Methods, Implant dentures -- Usage, Rapid prototyping -- Methods, and Rapid prototyping -- Usage

To purchase or authenticate to the full-text of this article, please visit this link: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/rcs.1895/abstract Byline: Mohamed Farid Shehab, Nabila Mohammed Abdel Hamid, Nevien Abdullatif Askar, Ahmed Mokhtar Elmardenly Keywords: CAD-CAM, electron beam melting; immediate mandibular reconstruction; patient-specific titanium mesh; rapid prototyping Abstract Background Immediate mandibular reconstruction was performed using a patient-specific titanium mesh tray fabricated by electron beam melting (EBM) /rapid prototyping techniques. Methods Patient-specific titanium trays were virtually designed and fabricated using EBM technology/rapid prototyping for patients requiring mandibular resection and immediate reconstruction using an iliac crest bone graft. Dental implants were placed in the grafted sites and the patients received prosthetic rehabilitation with a follow-up of one year. Clinical data, postoperative bone formation and complications were evaluated. Results A symmetric appearance of facial contours was achieved. The titanium tray incorporated the particulate iliac crest bone graft that provided significant bone formation (mean 18.97 [+ or -] 1.45 mm) and predictable results. Stability of the dental implants was achieved. Conclusion The patient-specific titanium meshes and immediate particulate autogenous bone graft showed satisfactory clinical and surgical results in improving patients' quality of life and decreasing the overall treatment time with adequate functional rehabilitation.

Sensors

Keywords Raspberry Pi; BeagleBone; Sharks Cove; Waspmote Abstract Arduino, an open-source electronics platform, has become the go-to option for anyone working on interactive hardware and software projects. An Arduino board (such as the Uno) connected to a breadboard with plugins such as inputs, sensors, lights, and displays can be controlled by a code written in the Arduino development environment. How to achieve this is by prototyping with Arduino. Prototyping with Arduino has grown in popularity with the increased use of the Arduino platform. Prototyping with Arduino, however, is not an easy task for nonprogrammers with interest in the field. With increased public interest in the field will come a need for accessible information. This paper presents a methodical literature review intended to intensively analyze and compare existing primary studies on prototyping with Arduino. We found about 130 of such studies, all peer-reviewed and published within the last 15 years, including these years (2015--2020). These studies were tediously and carefully chosen through a three-step process. In this paper, a cautious analysis of selected studies was followed by a clear description of the methods applied. The methods were categorized according to the success rate of the studied prototypes. Results obtained can be used in researches on the best technique to adopt while prototyping with Arduino. They can also be used in electronics researches and by individuals who wish to obtain a guide on prototyping with Arduino despite lacking grounded knowledge of the subject matter. Author Affiliation: (a) School of Computer Science & Engineering, VIT-AP University, Beside AP Secretariat, Near Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, India (b) School of Electronics Engineering, VIT-AP University, Beside AP Secretariat, Near Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, India * Corresponding author. Article History: Received 22 September 2020; Accepted 13 January 2021 Byline: Hari Kishan Kondaveeti [kishan.kondaveeti@vitap.ac.in] (a,*), Nandeesh Kumar Kumaravelu (b), Sunny Dayal Vanambathina (b), Sudha Ellison Mathe (b), Suseela Vappangi (b)

Drilling and boring -- Models, Control systems -- Models, Vibration -- Models, and Oil well drilling rigs -- Models

This paper presents a control system design methodology for the drill-string rotary drive and draw-works hoist system aimed at mature drilling rig retrofitting. The rotary drive is equipped with an active damping speed control system featuring a proportional-integral speed controller readily available within modern controlled electrical drives, extended with drill-string back-spinning prevention scheme for the case of stuck tool. The draw-works hoist system features a tool normal force (Weight-on-Bit) controller with tool longitudinal speed (Rate-of-Penetration) limiting functionality. The design of proposed control systems has been based on suitable control-oriented process models and damping optimum criterion which guarantees a desired level of closed-loop system damping. The proposed drilling control systems have been verified on a downscaled laboratory experimental setup, which represents a necessary pre-requirement before these systems are tested in the field. Keywords: active damping; draw-work; laboratory setup; petroleum drilling; proportional-integral controller; retrofitting; top-drive; torsional vibrations
1 INTRODUCTION Diminishing petroleum reserves and related increase in its prices [1] generally stimulate the discovery of new reserves [2], and implementation of advanced drilling technologies [3], especially those aimed [...]

Algorithm, Electric filters -- Usage, Electric filters -- Analysis, Electric filters -- Models, Algorithms -- Analysis, and Algorithms -- Models

Satellite communications, Antennas (Electronics) -- Design and construction, Waveguides -- Design and construction, Sintering, 3D printing, Satellite communications, and Computer-aided design

Keywords: additive manufacturing; fused filament fabrication; phase shifter; reconfigurable; selective laser sintering; waveguide Abstract This work presents the design and manufacturing of a K-band reconfigurable phase shifter completely implemented in waveguide technology for reduced insertion loss, good matching, and large phase shifting range. The device is based on the combination of a short slot coupler and two tunable reactive loads implemented as a section of short-circuited waveguide where an adjustable metallic post is inserted. Three prototypes of this design have been manufactured using different techniques (conventional computer numerical control machining, a low-cost fused filament fabrication technique and direct metal laser sintering) in order to assess its performance for different applications. The prototypes have been characterized experimentally and the achieved results are evaluated and compared. The proposed phase shifter, since it is fully developed in waveguide technology, eliminates the need of adding transitions to planar structures in order to integrate lumped components like pin diodes or varactors. Therefore, this device has a great potential in high-power beam steering phased arrays. Biographical information: Lucas Polo-Lopez received the BSc and MSc degrees in Telecommunication Engineering from the Universidad Autonoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain in 2014 and 2016, respectively. Since 2015 he has been with the Radiofrequency Circuits, Antennas and Systems (RFCAS) group of this same university, where he works toward the PhD degree. His current research interests include the computer-aided design of horn antennas and passive waveguide devices, as well as the application of additive manufacturing techniques to the construction of waveguide devices. Jose L. Masa-Campos received the Master degree in 1999 and the PhD Degree in 2006, from the Universidad Politecnica de Madrid, Spain. From 1999 to 2003 he developed his professional activity in the R&D department of the company RYMSA with the design of base station antennas for mobile communications and satellite antennas. From 2002 to 2003 he directed the R&D department of RYMSA. From 2003 to 2007, he worked as Researcher for Universidad Politecnica de Madrid, and in 2005 he joined to Universidad Autonoma de Madrid as Associate Professor in the Radiofrequency Circuits, Antennas and Systems (RFCAS) group. His main current research interests are in active and passive planar array antennas. Jorge A. Ruiz-Cruz received the Ingeniero de Telecomunicacion degree and the PhD degree from the Universidad Politecnica de Madrid, Madrid, Spain, in 1999 and 2005, respectively. Since 2006, he has been with the Universidad Autonoma de Madrid, Madrid, where he became an Associate Professor in 2009. His current research interests include the computer-aided design of microwave passive devices and circuits (filters, multiplexers, and orthomodes). Byline: Lucas Polo-Lopez,Jose L. Masa-Campos,Jorge A. Ruiz-Cruz

Machine learning -- Analysis

Keywords Production; Lead Time Prediction; AutoML; Machine Learning Abstract Many Small and Medium Enterprises in the domain of Make-To-Order- and Small-Series-Production struggle with accurately predicting lead times of highly customisable orders. This paper investigates an approach using AutoML integrated into existing enterprise systems in order to enable Lead Time Prediction based on Machine Learning models. This prediction is based on both order data from an ERP system as well as real-time factory state informed by an IIoT platform. We used simulation data to feed the AutoML model generation and developed a lightweight web-based microservice around it to infer lead times of incoming orders during live production. Using industry standards, this microservice can be seamlessly integrated into existing system landscapes. The simplicity of AutoML systems allows for swift (re)training and benchmarking of models but potentially comes at the cost of overall lower model quality. Author Affiliation: (a,b) FZI Research Center for Information Technology, Haid-und-Neu-Strasse 10-14, 76135 Karlsruhe, Germany Byline: Janek Bender [bender@fzi.de] (a), Jivka Ovtcharova (b)

Mobile gaming

Keywords color blind; educational game; gaming experience; mobile game Abstract The purpose of this research was to escalate players' knowledge on color blindness by designing an educational video game which design was oriented to dichromatism color blind. The topic selection was based on the lack of players' deeper knowledge on color blindness. The graphic and gameplay selection on this research was adjusted to the chosen color blind category. Research methods were conducted by analysis, development, and evaluation. Analysis was done by questionnaire. Development was done by game design document, UML, storyboard, and was implemented using Unity Game Engine. Evaluation on 35 players, which are 32 with normal eyes and 3 with color blindness, was done by two approaches, which are t-test and questionnaire. The result of t-test was t(34) = -7.704, p < 0.05 and Enjoyment score on CEGE is 0.763 for normal eyes and 0.651 for colorblind. To conclude, there was an improvement on knowledge from the video game and the design was enjoyable. Author Affiliation: (a,b,c) Computer Science Department, School of Computer Science, Bina Nusantara University, Jl. Kebon Jeruk Raya No. 27 Kemanggisan, Jakarta 11480, Indonesia Byline: Ivan Reinaldo [reinaldoivan30@gmail.com] (a), Nadia Sarah Pulungan [nadiasarahp@gmail.com] (b), Herru Darmadi [hdarmadi@binus.edu] (c)

Neural networks -- Analysis, Electrical engineering -- Analysis, Neural network, and Electrical engineering

Keywords Convolutional neural network; Hardware acceleration; Rapid system prototyping; Binarization; FPGA Abstract The huge model size and high computational complexity make emerging convolutional neural network (CNN) models unsuitable to deploy on current embedded or edge computing devices. Recently the binary neural network (BNN) is explored to help reduce network model size and avoid complex multiplication. In this paper, a binary network acceleration framework for rapid system prototyping is proposed to promote the deployment of CNNs on embedded devices. Firstly trainable scaling factors are adopted in binary network training to improve network accuracy performance. The hardware/software co-design framework supports various compact network structures such as residual block, 1 x 1 squeeze convolution layer, and depthwise separable convolution. With flexible network binarization and efficient hardware architecture optimization, the acceleration system is able to achieve over 2 TOPS throughput performance comparable to modern desktop GPU with much higher power efficiency. Author Affiliation: Department of Electrical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China * Corresponding author. Article History: Received 2 December 2019; Revised 19 February 2020; Accepted 8 March 2020 Byline: Zhe Xu [zhexu22-c@my.cityu.edu.hk], Ray C.C. Cheung [r.cheung@cityu.edu.hk] (*)

3D printing and Testing equipment

Purpose of the research was to assess feasibility of fused deposition techniques (3D printing) for development of analytical equipment dedicated for specific dosage forms and for nonstandard applications. Dissolution profiles as well as 3D magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the buccal tablets during hydration in dissolution medium were analyzed. The principal result of the study was the first working example of rapid 3D prototyping of dedicated, MRI-compatible dissolution equipment for mucoadhesive buccal tablets. Rapid prototyping techniques were found to be a fast, inexpensive way to develop a dedicated dissolution testing setup. KEYWORDS: additive manufacturing, 3D printing, solid free-form fabrication, buccal bioadhesive tablets, 3D ultrashort echo time magnetic resonance imaging (3D UTE MRI), pharmaceutical dissolution testing equipment
INTRODUCTION The number of studies concerning application of three dimensional (3D) printing techniques in pharmaceutical technology has grown continuously since 2005, but the main interest in application of these techniques [...]

Rapid prototyping and College teachers

Byline: Michele Basso, Giacomo Innocenti Keywords: LEGO Mindstorms; Simulink; Robotic laboratory; rapid prototyping; bicycle ABSTRACT LEGO.sub.[c] Mindstorms is a widely spread affordable education robotic platform, that has recently gained native support from the Mathworks.sub.[c] simulation environment Simulink. The pros and cons of the integrated Mindstorms/Simulink framework are actually illustrated through a complex model based control design project featuring a self-stabilized bicycle, that represents a proper example of the rapid prototyping capability of the platform. The importance of such an integration is discussed taking into account the history and the results of the LEGO-based learning activities held at the Control Systems Laboratory of the University of Florence for graduate and undergraduate courses. [c] 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 23:947-958, 2015; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/cae; DOI 10.1002/cae.21666 Biographical information: Michele Basso received the Master's degree in electronic engineering from the University of Florence, Italy, in 1992, and the PhD degree in systems engineering from the University of Bologna, Italy, in 1997. From 1998 through 2010, he was an assistant professor at the Dipartimento di Sistemi e Informatica, University of Florence. Currently he is an associate professor at Dipartimento di Ingegneria dell'Informazione, University of Florence. He is also affiliated to the Center for Research on Complex Dynamics (CSDC) and a member of the Advisory Board of the Italian Ph.D. School of Information Engineering. He was an Associate Editor for the journal Communications in Nonlinear Science and Numerical Simulations from 2010 through 2014. His current research interests include nonlinear dynamical systems, scanning probe microscopy, and control education. Giacomo Innocenti graduated in 2004 in Computer Science at the Engineering School of University of Florence, Italy and in 2008 received the PhD in 'Nonlinear Dynamics and Complex Systems' from the same institution. He has been Postdoctoral Research Fellow and Adjunct Lecturer at University of Florence and at University of Siena. Since 2012 he has been Assistant Professor in Automatic Controls at University of Florence, where he teaches Industrial Automation to graduate students of the Engineering School. His scientific interests regard Nonlinear Control Systems and their practical applications.

Energy conservation, Sensors, and Rapid prototyping

Byline: Nicolo Dossi, Fabio Terzi, Evandro Piccin, Rosanna Toniolo, Gino Bontempelli Keywords: Pencil-drawn sensing devices; Pen-drawn sensitive elements; Conductive filament deposition; 3D printed sensors; Direct writing; Contact and non-contact deposition methods Abstract The growing demand for low cost and easy to use analytical devices requires the development of reliable and rapid deposition strategies suitable for changing easily planned designs and applicable to a wide range of materials for assembling conductive tracks and sensitive elements. Further important challenges to be pursued are the possibility of using readily available instrumentation and reducing power consumption and hazardous chemical waste. This review provides an overview of the use of portable day-to-day writing tools, such as pencils and pens, for the rapid and on-demand deposition of conductive patterns on different substrates, with particular emphasis on the assembly of "Do It Yourself" sensors. Moreover, layer-by-layer deposition of simple or even complex three dimensional (3D) circuits, resorting to pressure driven extrusion of conductive filaments is considered. Future perspectives and potentiality of these emerging technologies for assembling sensors are also explored. Author Affiliation: Department of Food Science, University of Udine, via Cotonificio 108, I-33100 Udine, Italy phone : (+39) 0432558835 fax: (+39) 0432558803 Department of Chemical and Geological Science, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, via Campi 183, I-41125 Modena, Italy Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Minas Gerais, 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, Brazil

Rapid prototyping

Byline: Sherif Moussa, Ahmed M. Abdel Razik, Adel Omar Dahmane, Claude D'Amours, Habib Hamam Keywords: component; OFDM; MIMO; error-control coding; parity bit selected spreading; block processing; detection; FPGA; implementation; hardware optimization Summary In this paper, a novel MIMO-OFDM transmission scheme is developed to effectively enable multi-access by joint code design across multiple antennas, subcarriers, OFDM frames, and users. It achieves better spectrum efficiency while improving bit error rate performance. The proposed scheme uses either parity bit selected or permutation techniques to assign spreading codes at the transmitter side. As a result, the detection at the receiver is greatly improved because of the fact that identifying the spreading code(s) directly yields the transmitted data symbols. The paper also investigates the field-programmable gate array implementation of the proposed algorithms; optimization techniques are proposed to reduce area, power, and time. These techniques include a pipelined architecture for inverse FFT/FFT blocks, an efficient low complexity algorithm for despreading based on counters and comparators and an optimized architecture for complex matrix inversion using Gauss-Jordan elimination (GJ-elimination). Finally, the fixed-point optimized field-programmable gate array architecture for MIMO-OFDM transceiver is developed, where the maximum allowed performance loss because of quantization is defined, the tradeoffs between BER performance and area reduction are investigated. Copyright [c] 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Rapid prototyping -- Usage, Mathematics -- Study and teaching, Mathematics -- Technology application, Technology application, Computers, Education, Mathematics, and Science and technology

Electromagnetic fields, Antennas (Electronics), Wireless sensor networks, and Rapid prototyping

Keywords: metallization; radio frequency performance; SLA reflector; three-dimensional printed Abstract A novel high precision and lightweight reflector antenna is proposed. The fabrication process of the reflector adopted Stereo Lithography Apparatus (SLA) printed and metallization. The proposed SLA Reflector (SLAR) antenna structure adopts three-dimensional-printed, which can design complex geometric shapes flexibly and rapid prototyping. That is a good substitute for the traditional method of millimeter wave reflector processing. In order to realize radio frequency (RF) characteristics perfectly, the metallization process of photosensitive resin was elaborated, which realized by first electroless nickel plating, then copper electroplating, and finally chromium electroplating on the protective layer. For verification, the designed reflector antenna was manufactured and measured. The reflectivity of SLAR was measured well by the bow method, which validates excellent fabrication accuracy and reliability. The gain and pattern were measured in the anechoic chamber. The results show that the proposed reflector antenna achieves the gain of 25dBi and the 3dB gain bandwidth of 43% over the full Ka-band. A good agreement can be observed between measurement and simulation. Biographical information: Liwei Guo received the B.E. degree in from the Guilin University of Electronic Technology, Guilin, China in 2006. She is currently pursuing the PhD degree in Guilin University of Electronic Technology, Guilin, China. Her current research interests include metasurfaces, millimeter-wave reflector antenna. Simin Li received the B.S. degree in wireless communication engineering from Nanjing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Nanjing, China, in 1984, and the M.S. and PhD degrees in electronics engineering from the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China, in 1989 and 2007, respectively. Dr. Li is currently the President and a Professor with Guangxi University of Science and Technology, Liuzhou, China. His current research interests include the design of electrically small antennas, antenna arrays for high-frequency communication systems, and wireless sensor networks. Xing Jiang received the Master's degree in electromagnetic field and microwave technology from Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China, in 1986. Since 2000, she has been a Professor with the Guilin University of Electronic Technology, Guilin, China. She was sponsored by the National Natural Science Foundation of China and the Natural Science Foundation of Guangxi. Her research interests include smart communication system design, conformal antenna array, and bioelectromagnetics. Xin Liao received the B.E. degree from Chongqing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Chongqing, China, in 1990. He is currently a Lecturer with the Guilin University of Electronic Technology, Guilin, China. His research interests include Electromagnetic Compatibility and antenna measurement. Ying Zhang received the B.E. degree in Harbin Institute of Technology of optical instrument. Now she is a researcher at Beijing Simulation Center. Her research interest is the simulation of visible light/infrared guidance and control systems. Bin Shi is an associate researcher- in Beijing Simulation Center. Her research interest is the simulation of radio frequency target accuracy. Article Note: Funding information Guangxi Innovation Driven Development Special Fund Project, Grant/Award Number: GUIKEAA19254012; Innovation Project of Guangxi Graduate Education, Grant/Award Number: YCBZ2019051; National Natural Science Foundation of China, Grant/Award Numbers: 61761012, 61661011 Byline: Liwei Guo, Simin Li, Xing Jiang, Xin Liao, Ying Zhang, Bin Shi

Rapid prototyping

Byline: Nancy Wilkins-Diehr, Sandra Gesing, Tamas Kiss, Antonio Tadeu A. Gomes, Bruno F. Bastos, Vivian Medeiros, Vinicius M. Moreira Summary Arguably, an important amount of scientific software development time is likely to be employed on user interfaces. In particular, science gateways have gained increasing interest from the e-Science community. These gateways allow hiding the complexity of the underlying resources that give support to the management of scientific data and to the execution of scientific applications. Based on our previous experience with the development of science gateways for diverse application domains in the Brazilian national high-performance computing network (SINAPAD), we have devised a rapid prototyping strategy to lower the barrier for scientific application developers to launch new science gateways. This strategy is based on two main tools. The first tool implements a gateway engine that can be configured by a small set of XML files. Such files completely define the desired functionality of a specific science gateway in the gateway engine. The gateway engine also offers other features not commonly found in related technologies, such as file sharing, data provenance tracking, and restricted anonymous access to underlying computational resources. The second tool implements both an editor and a packager for the aforementioned engine. This tool allows the developer to rapidly deploy and launch a new science gateway in ordinary Web application containers. In this paper, we present our results with the use of both tools in the SINAPAD network. We also discuss about the current limitations of both tools, as well as how we have been dealing with such limitations to provide a more comprehensive toolset to developers. Copyright [c] 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Virtual reality technology, Virtual reality -- Methods, Rapid prototyping -- Methods, and Video tape editing -- Methods

Byline: Telmo Adao [telmoadao@utad.pt] (a), Luis Padua (b), Miguel Fonseca (b), Luis Agrellos (c), Joaquim J. Sousa (a), Luis Magalhaes (d), Emanuel Peres (a) Keywords Virtual Reality; 360* Videos Editing; Immersive Digital Panoramas; Multimedia; 3D model; 3D text; Spatialized Sound; Prototyping Abstract While VR grows in the range of application contexts -- e.g. entertainment, training, cultural heritage and medicine -- its economic impact is expected to reach around 15bn USD, by the year of 2020. Within VR field, 360* video has been sparking the interest of development and research communities. However, editing tools supporting 360* panoramas are usually expensive and/or demand programming skills and/or advanced user knowledge. Besides, applicational approaches to quickly and intuitively set up such 360* video-based VR environments complemented with diverse types of parameterizable virtual assets and multimedia elements are still hard to find. Thereby, this paper aims to propose a system specification to simply and rapidly configure immersive VR environments composed of surrounding 360* video spheres that can be complemented with parameterizable multimedia contents -- namely 3D models, text and spatial sound --, whose behavior can be either time-range or user-interaction dependent. Moreover, a preliminary prototype that follows a substantial part of the previously mentioned specification and implements the enhancement of 360* videos with time-range dependent virtual assets is presented. Preliminary tests evaluating usability and user satisfaction were also carried out with 30 participants, from which encouraging results were achieved. Author Affiliation: (a) INESC TEC and University of Tras-os-Montes e Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal (b) University of Tras-os-Montes e Alto Douro, School of Sciences and Technology, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal (c) GEMA - Digital and Technology Agency, Cais das Pedras N.* 8, 4050-465 Porto, Portugal (d) ALGORITMI Center, University of Minho, 4800-058 Guimaraes, Portugal