A framework for the in silico modeling and investigation of time dependent photobiophysical phenomena

预测光（辐射）对植物和人体组织的有利和有害影响，从光合作用到癌症的发展，是至关重要的，因为它可以用来改善人类和动物的生活质量，并为全球范围内的环境问题提供替代办法。这项研究计划的目的是为这种评估开辟新天地。它将通过预测模拟自然材料的外观变化与时间相关的光生物物理现象来扩展逼真图像合成的边界。紫外线辐射引发的皮肤相关过程，如晒黑、老化和病变形成，就是这种现象的例子。在这些情况下，模拟外观变化可用于协助预防、诊断和治疗皮肤病。植物叶片在营养和水分胁迫下的颜色变化也是这种现象的例子。在这些情况下，“虚拟”实验可以就不同的农业战略提供可靠的反馈，这些战略可用于应对这些不利条件和提高作物产量。一旦计算机模拟框架通过合理的科学方法被设计和验证，正如本研究计划中提出的那样，它就可以用于传统实验程序无法充分研究的现象的“计算机”调查。因此，它可以用来协助在不同的科学领域的研究的假设生成和验证周期。因此，所提出的模拟框架将有助于生物医学光学、生物物理皮肤病学和遥感等领域的跨学科研究工作，此外，通过设计预测算法来生成描绘随时间变化的逼真图像，还将对计算机图形学做出基本贡献。此外，该研究计划可能会导致创新技术的出现(例如，（用于无创诊断医疗条件的新设备），以及制定政府生态问题政策和新防护材料的测试协议。

The predictive assessment of the beneficial and harmful effects of light (radiation) incidence on plant and human tissues, from photosynthesis to the development of cancer, is of fundamental importance since it can be used to improve the quality of human and animal life and to provide alternatives for environmental problems on a global scale. The purpose of this research program is to break new ground toward such an assessment. It will expand the boundaries of realistic image synthesis through the predictive simulation of time dependent photobiophysical phenomena responsible for appearance changes in natural materials. Skin related processes, such as tanning, aging and lesion formation, triggered by ultraviolet radiation are examples of such phenomena. In these cases, the simulation of appearance changes may be used to assist the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of skin diseases. Color changes observed in plant leaves under nutrient and water stress are also examples of such phenomena. In these cases, "virtual" experiments can provide reliable feedback with respect to different agricultural strategies that can be applied to cope with these adverse conditions and improve crop production. Once a computer simulation framework is designed and validated through a sound scientific methodology, as proposed in this research program, it can be employed in the "in silico" investigation of phenomena that cannot be fully studied through traditional experimental procedures. Accordingly, it can be used to assist in the hypothesis generation and validation cycles of research in different scientific domains. Hence, the proposed simulation framework will contribute to interdisciplinary research efforts in fields such as biomedical optics, biophysical dermatology and remote sensing, in addition to fundamental contributions to computer graphics through the design of predictive algorithms for the generation of realistic images depicting time dependent appearance changes, Furthermore, this research program may lead to the emergence of innovative technologies (e.g., new devices for the noninvasive diagnostic of medical conditions) as well as the establishment of government policies for ecological issues and testing protocols for new protective materials.