3D-Stereoscopic Immersive Analytics Projects at Monash University and University of Konstanz

Immersive Analytics investigates how novel interaction and display technologies may support analytical reasoning and decision making. The Immersive Analytics initiative of Monash University started early 2014. Over the last few years, a number of projects have been developed or extended in this context to meet the requirements of semi- or full-immersive stereoscopic environments. Different technologies are used for this purpose: CAVE2™ (a 330 degree large-scale visualization environment which can be used for educative and scientific group presentations, analyses and discussions), stereoscopic Powerwalls (miniCAVEs, representing a segment of the CAVE2 and used for development and communication), Fishtanks, and/or HMDs (such as Oculus, VIVE, and mobile HMD approaches). Apart from CAVE2™ all systems are or will be employed on both the Monash University and the University of Konstanz side, especially to investigate collaborative Immersive Analytics. In addition, sensiLab extends most of the previous approaches by involving all senses, 3D visualization is combined with multi-sensory feedback, 3D printing, robotics in a scientific-artistic-creative environment

Immersive ExaBrick: Visualizing Large AMR Data in the CAVE

Rendering large adaptive mesh refinement (AMR) data in real-time in virtual reality (VR) environments is a complex challenge that demands sophisticated techniques and tools. The proposed solution harnesses the ExaBrick framework and integrates it as a plugin in COVISE, a robust visualization system equipped with the VR-centric OpenCOVER render module. This setup enables direct navigation and interaction within the rendered volume in a VR environment. The user interface incorporates rendering options and functions, ensuring a smooth and interactive experience. We show that high-quality volume rendering of AMR data in VR environments at interactive rates is possible using GPUs

Exploring 3D Chemical Plant Using VRML

The research project focused on how virtual reality could create an immersive environment and improve in designing a chemical plant. The main problem is the difficulties in designing chemical plant since 2D plant layout cannot provide the real walking-through. The aim of this project is to develop and design 3D Chemical Plant which allows users to explore the virtual plant environment freely. The objectives of this project are to design and develop 3D Chemical Plant in the virtual environment; to enable user to walkthrough the chemical plant; and at the same time evaluate the effectiveness of the implementation of 3D Chemical Plant. In completion the project, the framework used is based on the waterfall modeling theory. This study also examines the structure and existing use of VRML (International standard for 3D modelling on the internet) in constmction and architectural practice as a means of investigating its role and potential for extensible construction information visualization in chemical plant. The phases involved in the framework used for project development is the initiation phase, design specification, project development, integration and testing and lastly project implementation. Developments tools have been used in the project are VRML and 3D Max 6. As a result from the evaluation conducted, the mean of 3.5 from level of satisfaction ranking shows that mostly the evaluators are satisfied with the project and feel that the realism of 3D chemical plant and suitability of color and textures will improve the designing of chemical plant in virtual environment. As conclusion, the research project show that VR!VE are very useful and give a good impact for the chemical Engineer in designing a chemical plant

Ten years Center for Immersive Visualizations - Past, Present, and Future

Virtual Reality (VR) can be found in many fields. A majority of the time this involves the use of Head-Mounted Displays (HMDs). Their alternatives, large-scale immersive 3D screens and CAVE systems, can also be found in research and offer researchers high visual quality and collaborative VR experiences. This report covers the operation and learnings from maintaining a visualization center with large-scale immersive installations over the course of ten years

AMMP-EXTN: A User Privacy and Collaboration Control Framework for a Multi-User Collaboratory Virtual Reality System

In this thesis, we propose a new design of privacy and session control for improving a collaborative molecular modeling CVR system AMMP-VIS [1]. The design mainly addresses the issue of competing user interests and privacy protection coordination. Based on our investigation of AMMP-VIS, we propose a four-level access control structure for collaborative sessions and dynamic action priority specification for manipulations on shared molecular models. Our design allows a single user to participate in multiple simultaneous sessions. Moreover, a messaging system with text chatting and system broadcasting functionality is included. A 2D user interface [2] for easy command invocation is developed in Python. Two other key aspects of system implementation, the collaboration Central deployment and the 2D GUI for control are also discussed. Finally, we describe our system evaluation plan which is based on an improved cognitive walkthrough and heuristic evaluation as well as statistical usage data

A virtual reality classroom to teach and explore crystal solid state structures

We present an educational application of virtual reality that we created to help students gain an in-depth understanding of the internal structure of crystals and related key concepts. Teachers can use it to give lectures to small groups (10-15) of students in a shared virtual environment, both remotely (with teacher and students in different locations) and locally (while sharing the same physical space). Lectures can be recorded, stored in an online repository, and shared with students who can either review a recorded lecture in the same virtual environment or can use the application for self-studying by exploring a large collection of available crystal structures. We validated our application with human subjects receiving positive feedback

Hybrid-Dimensional Visualization and Interaction - Integrating 2D and 3D Visualization with Semi-Immersive Navigation Techniques

The integration of 2D visualization and navigation techniques has reached a state where the potential for improvements is relatively low. With 3D-stereoscopy-compatible technology now commonplace not only in research but also in many households, the need for better 3D visualization and navigation techniques has increased. Nevertheless, for the representation of many abstract data such as networks, 2D visualization remains the primary choice. But often such abstract data is associated with spatial data, thereby increasing the need for combining both 2D and 3D visualization and navigation techniques. Here, we discuss a new hybrid-dimensional approach integrating 2D and 3D (stereoscopic) visualization as well as navigation into a semi-immersive virtual environment. This approach is compared to classical 6DOF navigation techniques. Three scientific as well as educational applications are presented: an educational car model, a plant simulation data exploration, and a cellular model with network exploration, each of these combining spatial with associated abstract data. The software is available at: http://Cm4.CELLmicrocosmos.org

I-Light Symposium 2005 Proceedings

I-Light was made possible by a special appropriation by the State of Indiana. The research described at the I-Light Symposium has been supported by numerous grants from several sources. Any opinions, findings and conclusions, or recommendations expressed in the 2005 I-Light Symposium Proceedings are those of the researchers and authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the granting agencies.Indiana University Office of the Vice President for Research and Information Technology, Purdue University Office of the Vice President for Information Technology and CI

Exploration of Reaction Pathways and Chemical Transformation Networks

For the investigation of chemical reaction networks, the identification of all relevant intermediates and elementary reactions is mandatory. Many algorithmic approaches exist that perform explorations efficiently and automatedly. These approaches differ in their application range, the level of completeness of the exploration, as well as the amount of heuristics and human intervention required. Here, we describe and compare the different approaches based on these criteria. Future directions leveraging the strengths of chemical heuristics, human interaction, and physical rigor are discussed.Comment: 48 pages, 4 figure