Multiresolution Algorithms for Processing Giga-Models: Real-time visualization, reasoning and interaction

Principal Investigator:Ming Lin
Funding Agency:U.S. Army Research Office
Agency Number:W911NF-06-1-0355

Abstract
Virtual prototypes of complex systems is often used to reduce design time, lower production cost, perform "virtual rehearsal", and rapid visualization of intricate structures of varying scale: from nanometersized objects including nanoscale robots, storage devices and nanowheels, to large man-made computeraided design (CAD) structures including unmanned aerial vehicles, tanks and combat vehicles, underwater robots, and powerplants composed of millions of parts. In this proposal, we often refer to the virtual prototypes of these extremely large and massive systems as "giga-models". To help fully realize the potential of virtual environments, the proposed research targets the solution of several important and well-defined problems, including proximity queries, physical simulation, and interactive display. The underlying theme of the proposed research is design of novel algorithms and systems based on the "multiresolution" framework, i.e. describing geometry, spatial arrangements, numerics, and physical simulation across different scales. With the increasing complexity of large systems, this approach could potentially offer a robust and efficient solution that scales up to large size problems and adequately models the mutual interaction among multiple entities in complex mechanical, physical or biological systems. It will allow the designers, engineers to rapidly validate the existing design or explore new design options. It can also enable the commanders and the soldiers on the battle field to quickly visualize formation and interact with various entities in the "virtual battleground". SCIENTIFIC MERIT: This research is expected to lay the scientific foundation for human centric, simulation-based virtual environments. We will address key issues in the realization of visualization, modeling and simulation techniques for handling giga-models. These include new level-of detail representations and novel multiresolution algorithms for interactive display, proximity query, and physics-based imulation and manipulation of massive CAD models. The new algorithms and public-domain libraries could also offer undamental advances for other research areas, including robotics and automation, computer graphics and virtual environments, rapid prototyping of nano-structures, etc. The PIs have led research on proximity queries, interactive display, and physically-based modeling; also released several public domain libraries that are widely used and have been incorporated into commercial products. However, the previous work only addresses aspects of the problems that are restricted to modestly complex environments and does not scale well to massive models. The proposed project focuses on developing scalable solutions and represents a very significant and multi-dimensional extension with new and substantial challenges, but not without the considerable foundation built upon the PIs' prior research. DoD/ARMY RELEVANCE: The proposed research could lead to a wide application of multiresolution algorithms for design, testing, training, and mission planning. It has the potential of making a significant impact on design prototyping, system testing personnel training, and virtual mission rehearsal. The algorithms and the resulting software can enable rapid prototyping of complex mechanical systems and reduce high costs and time loss due to poor design decisions. Our rendering and interaction algorithms are useful for interactive display of large CAD models and battlefield visualization, either for training or strategic planning. We will also develop multi-resolution representations to accelerate Computer Generated Forces and integrate them into the OneSAF Objective System. We will collaborate closely with researchers and developers at ARL and RDECOM.