Overview of Research Activities:
Current projects involve development of 3-dimensional graphics models of scientific and engineering concepts. These models are displayed with a Web browser's built-in VRML viewer and can be animated using the browser's Java capabilities. The animation capabilities allow accurate simulations of complex physical processes to be built into a physical 3D model. Together, these display and simulation capabilities allow the creation of effective visualization and training tools.
The projects list shows our work to date. The range of example
areas we have developed models for shows the versatility of the approach and our efforts
to advertise and apply it. Opportunities for unique research and educational activities
result not only from creation of each model, but also in its subsequent use by beginning
students as well as research groups, and in its becoming a part of an expandable working
encyclopedia of technology.
In addition to exploring several application areas we are also investigating the tools and computing equipment best suited for the development and presentation of these applications.
We are examing the effort involved in developing the 3-D graphic models and the Java simulation programs for the diode and other models. This will lead to intelligent selection of appropriate editing and authoring tools for easier model creation by scientists of all fields. We aim to find a way to allow the student or researcher to concentrate on the science of his model (ie., integrating the actual equations of diffusion or motion, etc. with structural components), not on the complexities involved in creating and animating a 3-D model).
The ability to run large-scale simulations is under investigation. Computers of various capabilities are being evaluated as well as the ability to receive simulation computation results from a more powerful computer through the network.
In a current EUE project, Animated Visualization Models of Scientific Concepts, students have the opportunity to apply these new visualization tools to unique, interdisciplinary learning and research activities. Our work to date has suggested that the creation of working models could serve as a novel educational tool as well as provide opportunities for student involvement in research and multidisciplinary courses. As students build explanatory models they will obtain a more complete understanding of their 'home' subject, add onto an ever-increasing collection of these learning aids, and get exposure to computer graphics and programming topics as well as the capabilities of the World Wide Web and the creation of state-of-the-art content for it. More information is provided, including plans
for student involvement.
A critical mass of the envisioned displays and models could create a recognized and significant resource for students and anyone else with Web access to surf through a working encyclopedia of scientific concepts and principles.
Animated visualization models hold exciting and continuing educational promise as the concepts students are expected to master become more
complex and the technology to present (and create) models of the concepts progresses.
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