From jkernan@risd.edu Mon Nov  1 10:29:58 2004
Date: Mon, 01 Nov 2004 09:36:27 -0500
From: Jane Kernan <jkernan@risd.edu>
To: daf@cs.brown.edu
Subject: project concepts

1. Multi-frame time display
In this project, several offset stages of bat flight can be seen at the same time, suggesting a moving storyboard that can be paused for closer study. This structure will allow for a condensed time perspective, the viewing of more than instant of flight at the same time, and as a result, an immediately apparent context for any interesting stage of flight or flow. Models can be set up and positioned by the user, and each assigned one, some, or all of the flow data sets for easy side-by side or simultaneous comparison. The user would have the ability to focus on one instance or aspect of the bat model by "lassoing" it and zooming in (with a pointer-type remote controller) while desaturating everything else on screen. The flow itself would be deemphasized unless focused on by the user, and all the flow data would be toggled "off" by default to clarify the motion paths of the wing sections. Streamlines would be used rather than bulky plastic flow icons, and the capability to link streamlines rakes and windsocks to each individual bat model and not just a "parent bat' would need to be developed. The continued application for this visualization scheme would be the analysis of different kinds of flight, such as turning or landing. Criteria rating (1-6): 1)5; 2)6; 3)6; 4)6; 5)5; 6)6; 7)5; 8)6   

2. Transparency
This project would focus on the strategic use of transparency to aid the bat-visualization. Obviously this would require modification or manipulation of the image cave's image support and graphics library. This visualization would strive to find a balance between heavy texture methods and modeling and optimal fps and functionality. The overall look and approach will display or give the option to display multiple layers of data with minimal obscurity, and allow otherwise-overlooked comparisons, such as simultaneous pressure on both sides of the wing. The use of suggested transparency by way of color camouflaged to the background, as well as wire frame will serve as a processor-break. The controller would be inconspicuous but functional-perhaps itself clear plastic or with an appropriate non-interfering on-screen surrogate, or a handset to remove obstacles to intimate interaction. The project interface as a whole will obviously be "transparent" in usability. The bat and user's "chi" should flow freely with flow icons, likely streamlines or rakes, that will be developed for minimal "blocking," and this simulation should be meditative and relaxing. The fulfilled implementation of each data type to work with transparency of some sort will be obvious goals, in addition to a variety of transparency attempts and controller interface. Criteria rating (1-6): 1)5; 2)6; 3)6; 4)4; 5)6; 6)5; 7)6; 8)4

3. Batman
Obviously the most pressing concern on the minds of all cs137ers is the current dearth of Batman-themed visualization projects. In order to rectify this startling omission, this project will use either a brooding, film noir, almost ink-wash texture and color scheme, or a colorful, campy 60s décor with bat-labels on everything for user-friendliness. Basing our visualization on strongly graphic source material will demand a striking and optimally functional visual component. Multiple tools with optional utility belt or chair mounting will be developed, with the development of a functional batarang-object, with an on-screen counterpart being the primary goal. Movement could be controlled by a separate bat-grapple or gloves. The simulation itself will not look like Batman, but a bat that Batman would be studying- again, realistic or stylized based on the comic book scheme or cartoony in the spirit of the 60s show. A multi-screen look for optional intense detail and schematic-like inspection would be developed, in conjunction with more advanced x-ray and still-screen options than we have now. Multiple icon and interaction modes are a must. Since Batman is detail-obsessed and the "world's greatest detective," the potential scientific scope of this project is near infinite. Criteria rating (1-6): 1) 6; 2)5; 3)6; 4)5; 5)4; 6)5; 7)6; 8)6