CGV: Small: Collaborative Research: Immersive Visualization and 3D Interaction for Volume Data Analysis

该合作研究项目（IIS-1320046, IIS-1319606）为体积数据设计了一个三维沉浸式可视化环境，该环境在医学、工程、地球物理勘探和生物力学等各种应用领域至关重要。例如，生物力学研究人员检查从昆虫扫描中获得的体积，以了解形式与功能之间的关系，特别是关于昆虫如何产生内部流体流动。为了对三维体进行有效的分析，科学家和其他用户需要整合不同的视图，查看体内，并分离数据中的各种结构。然而，尽管体绘制算法取得了许多进步，但传统的显示技术和传统的交互技术都不足以有效和准确地分析复杂的体数据集。本项目通过结合和扩展开发了一种交互式探索和分割体数据集的方法：(1)利用基于虚拟现实（VR）技术的先进高保真显示来改进体数据的视觉分析，以及(2)使用自然的基于手势的3D技术。通过对生物力学和其他生物科学的真实体积数据集进行控制和实证研究，研究人员正在确定先进显示器的哪些特性可以带来更快、更准确的视觉分析。迭代设计和评估方法被用于开发可用和自然的3D交互技术，用户可以利用这些技术探索体数据集的内部。除了这些研究的实证结果之外，该项目的一个重要成果是设计了下一代批量数据分析系统，科学家和研究人员可以使用该系统来提高他们工作的效率和准确性。预期的结果将提供对可视化原理的深刻理解，促进量数据分析领域的进一步发展。更简单、更准确和更快的分析可以改善医疗保健、实现科学突破和教育进步。例如，这项工作可能会让我们深入了解昆虫——地球上最重要的动物群体之一——进食、呼吸和循环的基本生理机制。几乎每一个栖息地都生活着数以百万计的昆虫，它们的生活方式对人类社会有着深远的影响。它们在农业和卫生等领域的影响可能是积极的（如授粉）也可能是消极的（如作物损害、疾病），了解它们的基本生理学对控制其影响至关重要。该项目为研究生和本科生提供了跨学科教育和研究活动的机会，并为代表性不足的学生提供了外展活动。这项工作的结果将通过在档案期刊、同行评议会议和在线论坛上的出版物广泛传播。该项目的网站（https://research.cs.vt.edu/3di/node/188）将提供对研究结果的访问，包括数据集和软件。

This collaborative research project (IIS-1320046, IIS-1319606) designs a 3-dimensional immersive visualization environment for volume data that is critical in a variety of application domains, such as medicine, engineering, geophysical exploration, and biomechanics. For example, biomechanics researchers examine volumes derived from insect scans to understand how form relates to function, particularly in regard to how insects create internal fluid flows. For effective analysis of a 3D volume, scientists and other users need to integrate various views, peer inside the volume, and separate various structures in the data. However, despite many advances in volume rendering algorithms, neither traditional displays nor traditional interaction techniques are sufficient for efficient and accurate analysis of complex volume datasets. This project develops an approach for interactively exploring and segmenting volume datasets by combining and extending: (1) utilization of advanced, high-fidelity displays based on virtual reality (VR) technologies for improving the visual analysis of volume data, and (2) the use of natural, gesture-based 3D techniques. Using controlled, empirical studies with real-world volume datasets from biomechanics and other biological sciences, the investigators are determining what characteristics of advanced displays can lead to faster, more accurate visual analysis. Iterative design and evaluation methods are being used to develop usable and natural 3D interaction techniques with which users can explore the interior of volume datasets. Beyond the empirical findings of these studies, an important outcome of the project is the design of a next-generation volume data analysis system that can be used by scientists and researchers to improve the efficiency and accuracy of their work.The expected results will provide a deep understanding of visualization principles fostering further advancements in the realm of volume data analysis. Easier, more accurate, and faster analysis can lead to improvements in healthcare, breakthroughs in science, and advances in education. For example, this work may lead to insights into fundamental physiological mechanisms of feeding, breathing, and circulation in insects - one of the most important animal groups on earth. There are millions of insect species living in almost every habitat, and their lifestyles have profound impacts on human societies. Their effects in areas such as agriculture and health can be both positive (e.g., pollination) and negative (e.g., crop damage, disease), and understanding their fundamental physiologies is critical to controlling their impact. The project provides opportunities for interdisciplinary educational and research activities for graduate and undergraduate students, and outreach activities to underrepresented students. The results of this work will be disseminated broadly via publication in archival journals, peer-reviewed conferences, and online forums. The project website (https://research.cs.vt.edu/3di/node/188) will provide access to research results, including data sets and software.