architecture

architectural interior and exterior visualization
Interior of a building
This project focuses on visualizing interior and exterior architectural building, and detailed GIS data set of very high resolution satellite imagery (less than half square meter resolution) and cities. The technology developed using this research will enable the researchers visualizing and navigating in a virtual city in a real-time interactive immersive mode. If detailed building statistical and graphical information is available, they can be queried and visualized dynamically. This combination will allow the researchers not only to visualize the cities/buildings from birds-eye view but allow to navigate in the streets and inside the buildings and rooms.

bioscience

visualization and modeling of molecular structures
Collaborator: Clark Gedney, Biological Sciences
Protein structure
The goal of this project to develop software solutions that will allow modeling and visualization of molecular structures and dynamics of these structures interactively. Visualization of large structures is an important aspect of learning how a system works. It was obvious looking at the structure of DNA fifty years ago the functional implications. It has had a major impact on the field of biology and medicine. Structural biologists determine the structures of large molecules and viruses. Knowledge of the structure provides valuable information on how to stop viral diseases. The high resolution visualization technology will improve research and teaching. The motivation aspects of this technology are a major importance. The DNA Packaging Motor is a rotary motor that loads new viral DNA into empty viral shells used the energy of the host cell. The main component of the motor is a 12 protein complex called the connector protein. This protein complex is composed of 12 proteins configured in a ring or doughnut shape. These proteins rotate around the central axis with a ratcheting action that changes the height of the protein in an alternating fashion. The DNA is translated along the central axis. The proteins alternately grab and release the DNA molecule pulling it up into the viral shell.

advanced molecular modeling & scientific visualization in immersive environment
Collaborator: George N. Phillips Jr.
Molecular structure
The goal of this research is to develop a framework that allows modeling and visualization of complex scientific data (specifically molecular structures). It allows the user to (i) intuitively manipulate molecular structures and navigate in 3D immersive virtual environment, (ii) Interact directly using multi-modal interaction, (iii) Collaborate between multiple users in a shared environment.


cad, geometric modeling, & plm

plm showcase facility
Collaborator: PLM Center of Excellence
PLM Showcase
Integrate different CAD and PLM software solutions on the 4 node PC cluster to run in different Flex Wall display configurations. One goal of this project is to display CATIA and Delmia models in stereoscopic rendering in the Envision Center's VR Theatre. Images and stereo walkthroughs using wireless tracking and haptic interactions will be displayed in both the Power Wall and CAVE configurations. This hardware and software facility will serve as a showcase facility for internal and external PLM related visitors and researchers, and a host site for PLM related events on Campus.

streamlined methodology to showcase plm projects
PLM showcase
The goals of this project are to develop a streamlined methodology that will allow showcasing the PLM projects in immersive virtual environments. The proposed methodology will effectively use hardware such as the four node PC cluster connected to the FlexWall™ (both VR Theater and CAVE®-like configurations) and software suites such as CATIA in conjunction with Conduit™ for CATIA/ENOVIA from Fakespace systems, EON Reality's ICUBE™. If proper licensing is available for other software suites such as Unigraphics and Pro/ENGINEER immersive visualization modules, we will test these platforms. Test and refine the methodology by creating at least two (or more) real-world PLM example models to show that the methodology works in virtual environment.

detailed geometric modeling in a virtual environment - dvds
DVDS
Developed a framework for detailed geometric modeling in a multi-modal multi-sensory virtual environment. The important features of this framework are:
  • Multi-modal multi-sensory interaction between the designer (human-being) and system (Benefits: Increased throughput between the designer and the system).
  • Multiple designers to simultaneously collaborate in the same environment (Benefits: Effective collaboration between designers, avoids ambiguity and reduces design time).
  • Seamless integration with the existing industry standard CAD systems (Benefits: Avoids data translation and paves way to merge novel VR technologies to embrace well developed industry standard CAD knowledge).
  • Based on this framework a prototypical system called "Detailed Virtual Design System" (DVDS) has been developed.
conceptual shape modeling in a virtual environment - covirds
COVIRDS
Designed several sub-components of the conceptual shape modeling in a virtual environment called "COnceptual VIRtual Design System" (COVIRDS). My research enabled designers in COVIRDS to use 3D devices directly (through 3D widgets, 3D menus) to interact and invoke commands effectively. Actively involved in developing free form surface modeling in COVIRDS environment. Developed several output modalities (like sliders, text output in VE) and synthesized speech output system.

ptc's graniteone™
GraniteOne
Continued research in Advanced Design Group – R&D division at PTC. Worked on the Granite™ (CAD solid modeling kernel) projects. Successfully completed several projects for this solid modeling kernel include: User defined feature (UDF), Library Optimization, Test Harness System (gStudio) and other geometric feature implementations. Also successfully wrote two short white papers that describe (i) Current status and future outlook for Granite as a solid modeling kernel, and (ii) Importance of collaborative modeling in today’s competitive market.

autoconjugate / intsurf / rapid prototyping
Autoconjugate
Several projects that are funded by Government Agencies, National Defense Labs, and Industries. A brief summary of the projects completed are:
  • INTSURF: A software tool for 'developing' truncated, transition and intersecting surfaces. This project was funded by TISCO, Jamshedpur, India.
  • Solid Modeling and Rapid Prototyping (RP) modeling of pump casing and impellers for Kirloskar Brothers Ltd., Pune, India.
  • CAD Modeling and RP modeling of brake lever, blinker cover, and lower handle of LML scooters for LML, Kanpur, India.
  • Die Design and RP of Gear-box fork shifter for Eicher Tractors Ltd., Faridabad, India.
  • Solid modeling of a base plate for Department of Research and Development Organization (DRDO), Dehradun, India.
  • Solid Modeling and RP of dies for cutting tools for PTCL, Lucknow, India.
  • CAD and RP modeling of a Gyroscopic Motor Cover, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, Lucknow, India.
  • Developed an algorithm using conjugate geometry and developed a system named "AutoConjugate", that allows designing asymmetric disc type cutters and allow machining helical flutes using these cutters.

chemical engineering

interactive visualization of large particle simulation
Collaborators: Joseph F Pekny, Director E-Enterprise Center, Chemical Engineering; Jennifer Curtis, Chemical Engineering; Michael Lasinkski, Chemical Engineering
Large particle simulation
The goal of this project is to develop compute efficient algorithms, and rendering methodologies to visualize very large particle (100s of thousands of particles to millions of particles) simulations in a virtual environment interactively and dynamically. This framework allows interactive visualization of the particles in real-time (i.e. in actual time to the precision in microseconds). This system also allows the researchers to visualize, mark, query, and change the properties of the particles interactively.


consumer science

virtual immersive store for consumer science
Collaborators: Sandra Liu, Consumer Sciences and Retailing; Robert Melara, Psychological Sciences; International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC)
Virtual shopping store
This research is a multi level initiative to address several issues in consumer and retail industry. In this research Tippecanoe shopping mall, Target Super store, and detailed products with in the store are recreated to simulate a virtual shopping mall and store. Hundreds of user subjects are tested in this virtual environment - their behaviors and patterns are analyzed and the results are used to improve the shopping experience and efficient design of the virtual mall.


geographic infomation system (gis)

large scale detailed gis visualization
Large scale GIS visualization
This is a multi-directional research initiative that involves several GIS researchers on Campus to develop hardware and software solutions to visualize very large data sets interactively in high resolution display systems. This project is to advance the visualization and distribution of remote sensing and GIS data using immersive virtual environments and large ultra high resolution display systems. This technology will help understand and promote research and educational component for transportation planning, agriculture, forestry, biology, homeland security, land use change, natural hazards, etc. Part of this project goal is to develop a framework to stream live satellite imagery from Purdue Terrestrial Observatory (PTO) to large display systems.

gis and remote sensing visualization
Collaborators: Gilbert Rochon, Associate VP Collaborative Research, ITaP; Larry Biehl, Systems Manager, PTO, ITaP; Bernard A Engel, Agricultural and Biological Engineering; Larry Theller, Agricultural and Biological Engineering; Jie Shan, Civil Engineering
GIS and remote sensing
This project focuses on visualizing detailed GIS data set of very high resolution satellite imagery (less than half square meter resolution) and cities. The technology developed using this research will enable the researchers visualizing and navigating in a virtual city in a real-time interactive immersive mode. If detailed building statistical and graphical information is available, they can be queried and visualized dynamically. This combination will allow the researchers not only to visualize the cities/buildings from birds-eye view but allow to navigate in the streets and inside the buildings and rooms.


glaciology

modeling and visualization of gis / glaciology
Collaborators: Jacob Napieralski, University of Michigan Dearborn; Alun Hubbard, University of Edinburgh; Yingkui Li, Bowling Green State University; Arjen Stroeven, Stockholm University; Jon Harbor, Purdue University, Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences
Glaciology
The goal of this project to visualize the glaciology and the dynamics of ice formation and deformation, using mathematical model from several hundreds of thousands of years ago to date, and future predictions. Use this visualization tool to study the history and behavior of large ice sheets, such as how they grow and decay, mechanics of ice, and ice patterns. This mathematical model simulates ice sheet growing (primarily the margins, surface and base of the ice sheet), moving over different regions, using several parameters such as thermal effects, climate history, and geological evidence at varying time intervals for different periods of time.


healthcare

"patient centered design concepts" and "patient centered care environments (future state)"
Collaborators: Ascension; St.Vincents; RCHE; Hill-Rom; BSA Lifestructures; and other Team Members (within and outside Purdue)
Patient centered design
This interdisciplinary team blends different distinct areas of research expertise together for the purpose of optimizing the physical layout of public space. The overall goal of this project is to enhance customer satisfaction through evidence-based design for a healthcare (i.e. hospital) environment. This goal will be achieved through the seamless intersection and integration of consumer science methodology, statistical analysis of behavioral and psychological processes, and state-of-the-art visualization technology.


homeland security

hospital emergency simulation - measured response 2003 (mr 2003)
Collaborators: Alok Chaturvedi, School of Management, PHSI; Shailendra Mehta, School of Management
Hospital emergency simulation
Project goal was to develop a simulation system to visualize a hospital scenario when disaster strikes a city. This simulation system contains two floors of hospital building, filled with all the furnitures, beds, equipments, etc. and doctors, hospital staffs, patients, and visitors. All the human models are simulated to walk naturally with in the building and not to collide with the objects or other person. Initially the hospital was filled with natural level of patients and once the disaster strikes the number of patients increased rapidly and at certain stage all the rooms are filled and the patients are laid on the corridors. This simulation system is designed to control and modify these changes dynamically.

ground zero emergency evacuation simulation in a virtual environment -  measured response 2004 (mr 2004)
Collaborators: Alok Chaturvedi, School of Management, PHSI
Ground zero simulation
The goal of this project was to develop a ground zero fire simulation in a multi-story building, with detailed evacuation algorithms. The fire model and the agents evacuation plan was based on the actual physics and engineering model.

visualization and interaction of emergency simulation in large virtual environments - measured response 2005 (mr 2005)
Collaborators: Alok Chaturvedi, School of Management, PHSI; National Coast Guard, MUTC
Emergency simulation
This research is a multi-directional research initiative to develop advanced visualization solutions and simulations for homeland security. The current tasks are to model the (Ft Muscatatuck) buildings, detailed information in one building (or one floor or part of the floor – depending upon the building size), surround these buildings with very detailed GIS data sets. Implement the combat simulation (sniper shooting and/or to show dirty bombing scenario) in this environment. Reuse ground zero simulations and models, and simulation of dirty bombing. Build a prototype platform that will allow rapidly moving these blocks of buildings, environments (i.e. small region) and dirty bombing simulation to different cities and/or countries.


medical visualization

intensity radiation therapy simulation
Collaborators: RCHE; Joe Pekny, Seza Orcun, Discovery Park
IMRT simulation
The goal of this project is to develop a simulation application that integrates volume data set of real-world human organs and the mathematical model that simulates the IMRT process to predict measure and define better treatment approach. In this research, we plan to build a proof-of concept prototype system that will enable capture and relate the time dependent changes of the irradiated volume throughout the course of treatment that uses PLM techniques. This prototype system will allow managing and visualizing this dynamic information gathered from different sources in effective and efficient way.

visualization of mcnp simulation and ct data
Collaborators: Tatjana Jevremovic, Katie Hileman, Elise Lenzo, Nuclear Engineering
MCNP simulation
This project is to visualize the CT data and MCNP (Monte Carlo N-Particle) Transport that generates dose distributions and cell interactions. This generates two 3D visualizations, one directly from the CT data and one from the MCNP data. These images should be similar to prove that the bridge between CT, geometry data and MCNP, and data conversions work. In addition graphically display dose distributions from MCNP. This simulation proves this approach can be applied to other nuclear engineering industrial applications.

volume visualization of human medical data set
Collaborator: Unity Health
Human medical data
This is a collaborative project with UnityHealth. This project focuses on visualizing human medical data set in three dimensions using various volume rendering algorithms. Initial data sets are scanned and stored in MRI or CT-Scan data or similar 2D slice formats. Then these data sets are converted to 3D volume data format and rendered using different rendering algorithms, such as iso surface, ray tracing, texture mapping, MIP, etc. Different rendering mechanisms are used to visualize different parts and features of the data sets. Part of the goal is to visualize large volume rendering in interactive display.

volume visualization of vet medical data set
Collaborators : VET School
VET medical data
This is a collaborative project with VET school. This project focuses on visualizing vet medical data set in three dimensions using various volume rendering algorithms. Initial data sets are scanned and stored in MRI or CT-Scan data or similar 2D slice formats. Then these data sets are converted to 3D volume data format and rendered using different rendering algorithms, such as iso surface, ray tracing, texture mapping, MIP, etc. Different rendering mechanisms are used to visualize different parts and features of the data sets. Part of the goal is to visualize large volume data sets interactively.


nanotechnology

visualization and manipulation of nano-level chemical processing
Collaborator: Stephen P. Beaudoin, Chemical Engineering
The goal of this project is to visualize nano-level chemical processing and the interaction between different materials and forces at nano-level.

nanometer thick clay molecule visualization
Collaborators : Cliff Johnston
Nano clay molecule
This research enables to captures clay particles on a crystal and able to produce, see and manipulate a single layer of clay. Once this structures are captured in digital format, they can be visualized in immersive environments and direct multimodal interaction systems. This framework allows the researchers to interact at nono-level structures easily and clearly and hence allow the scientists to understand the characteristics and physical behaviors of the structures in a large display systems.

visualization and manipulation of nano-level molecular structures
Collaborators : Amy McGough
Project goal is to visualize and manipulate nano-level molecular structures interactively. Molecular structures, electron density map and other necessary information are collected by Amy McGough in her lab using electron microscopy. Then these data is visualized using immersive display system and manipulated using pinch gloves and haptics force feedback devices. This setup will allow the researchers not only to look into the dataset but will also enable to feel the force of electron density. Once the software simulation is completed, the next step is to integrate this simulation software with laser steering equipment such as BioRyx® from Arryx Inc. to manipulate the molecular structures interactively and dynamically.


pharmaceuticals

pharmaceutical process modeling and simulation
Collaborators: Prabir Basu E-enterprise Center; Venkat Venkatasubramanian, Chunhua Zhao, Kamal Kuriyan Chemical Engineering, Carl Wasgrenn, Mechanical Engineering
Tablet coating simulation
The overall objective of the project is to create a modeling framework that will facilitate the rapid development of robust processes before the transfer of a pharmaceutical product to manufacturing. This will lead to the development of a systematic, science and engineering based process design methodology for pharmaceutical processes to meet the FDA's vision for the future of pharmaceutical manufacturing. The goal for this project is to develop models of pharmaceutical processes at varying levels of detail and demonstrate their application to pharmaceutical drug form design, equipment selection, process development and scale-up. The product life cycle management (PLM) is effectively used and integral part of the automotive and aerospace industry. We like to extend these PLM technologies to pharmaceutical process modeling. The initial focus of the modeling project will be on downstream formulation and tableting operations after the production of the active ingredient.

pharmaceutical - molecular crystalline structure visualization and the simulation
Collaborator: Ken Morris
Crystalline structure
The goal of this project is develop a method to visualize the formation and different molecular crystalline structures in a virtual environments interactively.







space exploration

advanced life support modeling and visualization of a mars surface habitat
Collaborators: Seza Orcun, Michael Lasinski, Discovery Park, ALS|NSCORT
Advanced life support modeling
In this research project, the XML-based (Extensible Markup Language) Supply Chain Optimization and Protocol Environment (SCOPE) architecture is applied to a Mars surface habitat simulation without optimization. This results in a network of components such as crew members, storage, and ALS technologies. Each component is represented as a self-contained node in the network. For each node, there is an XML description of the required material inputs and outputs. The simulation engine interprets each description to form the entire network and to properly handle the interactions between each node in the network. A preliminary implementation of this architecture for habitat analysis and three case studies that demonstrate the challenges of habitat evolution and a virtual environment that visually displays the results from the simulation architecture.