© 1985 David
Hoffman and James T. Hoffamn
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COMPUTER
VISUALIZATION TECHNIQUES
Computer
visualization techniques, such as computer
graphics, animation and virtual reality,have
been pioneered with NSF support.
Scientists in many disciplines use sophisticated computer techniques to
model complex events and visualize phenomena that cannot be observed directly.
Weather patterns, medical conditions and mathematical relationships are
only some of the uses to which virtual reality can be put to see
many current problems in three-dimensional simulations.
NSF support has largely changed the field of computer visualization over
the past 25 years. NSF support has developed the supercomputing centers,
wide-range applications now explored at science and technology centers
and far-reaching programs such as the Partnerships for Advanced Computational
Infrastructure.
CVT in medicine
For surgeons, X-rays, probes and scans show only a partial picturea
snapshotof what really is needed, which is how all the body's parts
actually interact. In 1993, scientists at New York University came up
with a solution while working with the NSF-funded Pittsburgh Supercomputing
Center. They created the first three-dimensional, animated model of a
beating heart.
Researchers at the NSF-supported National Center for Supercomputing Applications
(NCSA) at the University of Illinois created a model that provides a closer
look at updrafts, downdrafts and strong horizontal changes in wind speedall
of great use to air traffic controllers, airline pilots, flight trainers
and meteorologists.
Current uses today
Computer visualization techniques are now used in the following disciplines:
- Architecture and engineering. Building design, space planning,
interior architecture;
- Biomedical applications. Surgical and radiation therapy
planning, diagnostic aids;
- Business and management graphics. Decision-making systems,
graphic data displays;
- Education and learning. Techniques for developing visual
thinking skills and creative abilities in both children and adults;
- Electric CAD/CAM. Printed wiring board and integrated circuit
design symbol and schematic generation;
- Human factors and user interfaces. Visible language programming,
improvements in screen layout, windows, icons, typography and animation;
- Mapping and cartography. Geographic
information systems, graphical databases, computer-assisted cartography,
three-dimensional mapping, transportation analysis;
- Printing and publishing. Text
and graphic integration in printed documents, page-layout software,
scanning systems, direct-to-plate
printing capabilities;
- Statistical graphics. Graphical techniques for rendering
large masses of data to increase understanding of data analysis;
- Video and multimedia technology. High-definition TV, computer-generated
video for entertainment and educational applications, TV applications
for news and weather;
- Visual arts and design. Computer graphics for graphic design,
industrial design, advertising and interior design; standards based
on design principles relating to color, proportion, placement and
orientation of visual elements.
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