Introduction to Scientific Visualization
Scientific visualization is a option to bring research data to life, making it easier to know and interpret. However, this data is commonly limited to a two-dimensional computer screen, which may make it difficult to completely comprehend. To overcome this limitation, researchers have began using augmented and virtual reality technologies so as to add an additional dimension to their data.
The Power of Augmented and Virtual Reality
Augmented and virtual reality provide a brand new way for researchers to interact with their computer models. By using these technologies, scientists can see their data in a more natural and immersive way, which may result in recent insights and discoveries. The Texas Advanced Computing Center (TACC) has been on the forefront of this technology, developing applications for the Microsoft HoloLens that allow scientists to interact with their data in recent and progressive ways.
A Proof-of-Concept Demonstration
In 2017, TACC unveiled a proof-of-concept demonstration on the International Conference for High Performance Computing, Networking, Storage and Analysis. This demonstration allowed scientists to see a plasma model, developed by University of Texas physicist Wendell Horton, evolve over time in virtual 3D space. The plasma model showed the complex dynamics of plasmas, that are obscure using traditional two-dimensional projections.
Bringing Augmented Reality to Life
To bring the augmented reality visualization to life, experts from TACC converted Horton’s plasma datasets right into a form that could possibly be ingested into the Unity platform, a number one framework for AR content creation. They then overlaid text and audio, making a sharable AR experience that members of Horton’s group, collaborators, or other researchers could view and interpret. This technology has the potential to revolutionize the best way scientists interact with their data, making it easier to know and analyze complex phenomena.
Applications Beyond Plasma Models
The TACC team has not only worked on plasma models but has also created AR representations of physics-based models of clouds and developed a tool that permits air traffic controllers to perceive planes within the sky, even after they are indoors. These applications exhibit the flexibility of augmented reality technology and its potential to remodel various fields of research and industry.
The Future of Scientific Visualization
According to Paul Navrátil, deputy director of Visualization at TACC, virtual and augmented reality capabilities will proceed to expand how we explore and discover, each in scientific inquiry and in our day by day lives. The TACC team is proud to be pushing the boundaries of what is feasible with this technology, and their work has the potential to encourage recent generations of researchers and scientists.
Conclusion
In conclusion, augmented and virtual reality technologies are revolutionizing the sector of scientific visualization, allowing researchers to interact with their data in recent and progressive ways. The work of the TACC team, in collaboration with researchers like Wendell Horton, is on the forefront of this technology, and their applications have the potential to remodel various fields of research and industry. As this technology continues to evolve, we will expect to see recent breakthroughs and discoveries that can change our understanding of the world and the universe.
