Research
Geometric Design and Computation
The Geometric Design and Computation group is engaged in both fundamental and applied research in developing methods for representing, specifying, manipulating, and visualizing geometric models. The group has projects ranging from early conceptual design methods to innovative manufacturing processes and from detail modeling applications to large-scale assembly systems. Supporting these applications is fundamental work on surface and model representation, computational geometry, topology, differential geometry, and numerical methods.
Perception
Perception research focuses on two complimentary goals. One aims to increase the effectiveness of computer graphics in conveying information about the three-dimensional world. We are interested in better understanding the spatial information potentially available in CG imagery, determining what spatial cues are actually used when CG imagery is viewed, and using this information to inform the development of improved rendering algorithms. A major thrust of this work has been directed at improving the accuracy of spatial actions conducted within virtual environments. The other goal uses the tools of computer graphics and visually immersive environments to probe basic questions about human perception. We are exploring fundamental issues concerning the processes used to scale distance judgments and the interaction between visual perception and locomotion. This is a multidisciplinary effort involving computer graphics, perceptual psychology, and computational vision, and includes participants from both the School of Computing and the Department of Psychology.
Simulation and Electronic Animation
While exploding trucks and collapsing buildings are rare occurrences in everyday life, they are frequently depicted in films, video games, and training simulations. Filming such effects in the real world can be dangerous and obtaining a specific outcome is often difficult. Consequently, such effects are increasingly generated through physical simulations where initial conditions and parameters can be tuned to produce the desired effect. Research in the Simulation and Electronic Animation Lab is focused on developing tools that allow artists to create high-quality, realistic, visually-detailed animations of complex materials for applications in computer graphics.
