CRCD: Expanding Engineering Thinking: Interactive Visualization of Numerical Models

[203528] tara hutchinson加州大学欧文分校“扩展工程思维：数值模型的交互式可视化”本项目涉及一种新的交互式学习工具的开发和应用，以及通过该工具在工程教学中使用可视化技术。该项目的总体目标是为重新设计的工程课程做出贡献，以更好地适应21世纪的工程实践。课程重点是(1)可视化和动手操作，(2)计算机辅助设计和虚拟现实，(3)互动学习，(4)批判性思维，(5)创造性解决问题，(6)基于问题的学习。这些目标是通过重新设计现有课程和创建新的跨学科课程来实现的。该项目通过在“未来办公室”环境中培养未来的工程师，直接解决了工程与工业和社会在合并技术领域不断变化的需求的联系。这种教学环境（VizClass）包括远程会议功能、交互式白板、空间跟踪和在完全无线环境中操作的半沉浸式可视化。VizClass系统使用易于部署、成本有效的组件，因此其他学术机构可以很容易地复制它。硬件配置在可能的情况下利用现有技术，并引入用于实时控制的系统组件和将数字求解器与可视化工具和硬件组件融合所需的中间件。该环境的组件包括一系列交互式投影显示板（白板）和由专用可视化服务器控制的半沉浸式投影桌或墙壁显示器。数字白板，触摸敏感的输入表面，使更准确地跟踪用户输入。提供输入或输出工作区的活动白板屏幕通过高速（大存储容量）服务器连接。这又连接到一个数值求解器。求解器以用户选择的形式从输入或“工作”屏幕接收反馈。如果输入模式为方程类型，则求解器处理这些方程，并分别以单维或立体形式将解作为二维或三维可视对象输出到所选的输出设备。视觉输出可以是扭曲或轮廓的网格（例如应力，应变或热分布），或注释重要工程参数的图形。在这种环境下教学的优势是利用有限元方法解决结构工程、力学或电子学问题的近实时视觉反馈清晰地表达了求解方程的结果。VizClass配备了无线网络，使合作者和学生能够即时访问所有可用的在线资源。

0203528Tara HutchinsonUniversity of California Irvine"Expanding Engineering Thinking: Interactive Visualization of Numerical Models"This project involves the development and application of a new interactive learning tool and the use of visualization techniques, enabled by the tool, in teaching engineering. The overall goal of this project is to contribute to a redesigned engineering curriculum that better matches the practice of engineering in the 21st century. The curriculum focuses on (1) visualization and hands-on manipulation, (2) computer-assisted design and virtual reality, (3) interactive learning, (4) critical thinking, (5) creative problem solving, and (6) problem-based learning. These objectives are achieved through the redesign of existing courses and through the creation of a new interdisciplinary course. The project directly addresses the connection of engineering with the changing needs of industry and society in merging technology areas by educating future engineers in the 'office of the future' environment. This instructional environment (VizClass) includes tele-conferencing capabilities, interactive whiteboards, spatial tracking and semi-immersive visualization operating within a completely wireless environment. The VizClass system uses readily deployable, cost effective components, such that other academic institutions may easily replicate it. The hardware configuration leverages existing technology where possible and introduces system components for the real-time control and the middleware required for fusing numerical solvers with visualization tools and hardware components. Components of the environment include a series of interactive projection display boards (white boards) and a semi-immersive projection table or wall display controlled by a dedicated visualization server. Digital whiteboards, with touch sensitive input surfaces, enable more accurate tracking of user input. Active white board screens providing either an input or output workspace are linked via a high-speed (large storage capacity) server. This in turn is connected to a numerical solver. The solver receives feedback from the input or 'working' screen in the form chosen by the user. If the input-mode is of type equation, the solver manipulates the equations and outputs the solution as either a 2- or 3-dimensional visual object to the selected output device in either mono- or stereoscopic form, respectively. Visual output can be a distorted or contoured mesh (with, for example stresses, strains or heat distribution), or figures annotating important engineering parameters. The advantage of teaching in this environment is the near-real time visual feedback articulating results of the solved equations utilizing the finite element method approach as applied to structural engineering, mechanics or electronics problems. The VizClass is equipped with a wireless network, giving collaborators and students instant access to all available on-line resources.