Computer Graphics Laboratory

Gennadiy Nikishkov Professor	Kamen Kanev Associate Professor

Members of the Computer Graphics Laboratory perform research in physics-based modeling of different phenomena, their visualization and animation. Innovative approaches to graphical user interfaces and direct interaction methods, modeling, rendering, simulation and scientific visualization are under development. Created mathematical models are used for graphical representation of natural processes. Research areas include: Visualization of surface and volume data, which results from finite element, boundary element and finite difference modeling. Nanomechanics modeling. Numerical approach is used for modeling of selfpositioning micro- and nanostructures with large translations and rotations. Augmented reality interface suitable for use in medical physics measurements. Development of video-based face tracking interface for disabled people. Physics-based animation of liquids. Using graphics processing unit for animation and and general purpose computations. Surface-based interactions and interfaces. Virtual reality with direct interaction interfaces. Digital enhancement of mobile robot environments. Research on cluster patterns for direct position sensing. Technologies for the intelligent support of reading. Methods and systems for support of collaborative learning in a dynamic group environment. Professors of the Computer Graphics Laboratory deliver courses in Computer Graphics, Algorithms and Data Structures, Numerical Analysis, Advanced Algorithms, Modeling and Visualization. Graduation projects and SCCP are related to computer modeling, human-computer interactions, visualization and animation and to Web technologies.

Refereed Journal Papers

[kanev-01:2006]	K. Kanev, N. Mirenkov, and A. Urata. Position Sensing for Parking Simulation and Guidance. The Journal of Three Dimensional Images, 21(1):66-69, 2007.
	In this work we discuss parking facilities enhanced with digitally encoded signs and surfaces that could greatly facilitate car local position and orientation tracking and thus serve as a basis for steering and automated parking. As a proof of concept we build an experimental system, based on a 1/10 remote controlled car with a wireless camera and a corresponding computer system. Specialized Cluster Pattern Interface (CLUSPI) software analyzes images obtained by the wireless camera and determines local position and orientation of the model car. Obtained tracking data, when mapped to the geometry of the model parking facility, allows for early detection of potential collisions and thus for appropriate steering guidance. Further, by mapping to virtual models of real cars and parking facilities far more realistic visualization and simulations could also be provided. Possibilities for enhancing learning and comprehension through self-explanatory components and multiple views are under consideration. Potential applications of the experimental model system could be training and evaluation of steering and parking skills.
[niki-01:2006]	Y.Nishidate and G.P.Nikishkov. Generalized plane strain deformation of multilayer structures with initial strains. Journal of Applied Physics, 100:113518-1-4, 2006.
	A closed-form solution for multilayer structures with initial strains under generalized plane strainconditions is presented. Such solutions can be useful for estimating the curvature radius and strainsor stresses for self-positioning microand nanostructures with lattice mismatched layers.Comparison with finite element results shows that the developed solution predicts reasonable valuesof the curvature radius at the central part of the structure. Strains provided by the generalized planestrain solution are in agreement with those obtained by finite element analysis.

Refereed Proceeding Papers

[kanev-02:2006]	K. Kanev, D. Turk, J. Brine, and T. Orr. CLUSPI Support for Collaborative Learning in a Dynamic Group Environment. In Proceedings of the 7th IEEE International Conference on Advanced Learning Technologies (ICALT 2007), pages 320-321, 2007.
	We propose a method for enhancing the development of student dialogue, text manipulation and reading comprehension skills. The method is applicable to classes of all sizes and ensures work at individual level, group level and class level. Digitally enhanced teaching materials with Cluster Pattern Interface (CLUSPI) direct point and click functionality are used to enhance skill development. The educational process takes place in a computer-assisted environment, which supports direct interactions with printed materials and instant access to diverse multimedia content. While this method was developed for English language teaching, it could be feasibly employed for any educational discipline in which students are required to read or interact with printed materials.
[kanev-03:2006]	J. Brine, K. Kanev, D. Turk, and T. Orr. Cloze Information Gap Tasks with Print-Based Digital Content Interfaces. In Proceedings of the 7th IEEE International Conference on Advanced Learning Technologies (ICALT 2007), pages 318-319, 2007.
	This paper reports on the design stage of a project to create digitally enhanced print-based interfaces to support both individual and social information gap tasks. The interactive social nature of language learning can be supported through social scaffolding designed into instruction. Our current work focuses on a well-established information gap task referred to as cloze. The project team aims to design and develop an activity that requires students to complete cloze tasks under three conditions: individual, dyadic, and whole class. This research project evaluated the benefits of enhancing the task with a patented Cluster Pattern Interface (CLUSPI). CLUSPI is a cluster pattern-based encoding scheme that allows digitally encoded information to be embedded in a layer of clustered graphical objects on printed documents. CLUSPI can expand the application of multimedia by linking paper-based materials to language learning tools through a point-and-click interface.
[kanev-04:2006]	K. Kanev, Z. Cheng, and N. Mirenkov. Methods and Technologies for Enhancing and Optimizing Power Plant Inspection Procedures. In Proceedings of the 7th IEEE International Conference on Computer and Information Technology (CIT 2007), pages 605-609, 2007.
	This paper considers different methods and approaches for improving power plant inspection procedures through innovative technological means. Main objectives are to provide timely, context dependent assistance and advice to human inspectors of power plant facilities, to minimize human errors and to increase inspection efficiency and reliability. A solution based on spatial awareness methods for inspector localization, registration and tracking through remote sensing of RFID tags and digital codes embedded in the surrounding environment is proposed. Possible extensions for industrial inspection robots are briefly discussed and potential applicability in nuclear power plant inspections is revealed.
[kanev-05:2006]	K. Kanev, S. Kimura, N. Kobayashi, and K. Yamauchi. Employment of Physical Objects as Interactive Interface Components. In Proceedings of CLIHC2007 held in conjunction with the 11th IFIP TC 13 Conference on Human-Computer Interactions (INTERACTf2007), 2007.
	This work is dedicated to physical interfaces for interactive presentation control, based on real objects or their replicas. Digital encoding approaches and surface enhancement methods, supporting direct interactions with physical objects, are discussed. An innovative presentation method in which consumer products with digitally enhanced labels or package surfaces could be used as tangible interface components is introduced. Based on this method, inclusive product presentations that actively engage customers and encourage them to touch, feel and explore the product are proposed.
[kanev-06:2006]	K. Kanev, N. Kamiya, and N. Mirenkov. Digitally Enhanced Printed Handouts for Elementary Math Tutoring. In Proceedings of the Fourth International Conference on New Exploratory Technologies (NEXT 2007), pages 227-230, 2007.
	This work is dedicated to innovative methods for enhancing and diversifying math lessons through digitally enhanced educational materials and printed handouts that support direct point-and-click functionality. Discussed methods are expected to make students more involved and genuinely interested in studying the math related subjects that have often been perceived as difficult to understand. We believe that interest in math and exact sciences need to be cultivated since early childhood and thus elementary math classes should be made as exciting and engaging as possible. The focus of our work therefore is on the design and development of a supportive educational framework, based on existing, traditional printed educational materials for elementary math that are digitally enhanced to allow augmented functionalities and interactivity, supported by recent technological advancements. Within such a framework, math studies, especially at elementary level, could significantly benefit from introducing entertainment and gaming components that create challenges, attract more student attention, and thus ensure advanced intellectual engagement in a natural non-intrusive way.
[kanev-07:2006]	K. Kanev, N. Mirenkov, and A. Urata. Parking Simulation and Guidance in a Model Environment. In Proceedings of the Japan- China Joint Workshop on Frontier of Computer Science and Technology (FCST 2006), pages 116-120, 2006.
	This work is dedicated to a parking simulation and guidance environment based on remote controlled car models operated over digitally encoded surfaces and monitored by a computer system that provides virtual views and guidance. The tangible part of the environment consist of physical car models that can be touched, moved by hand and steered by wireless modules. A controlling computer system can remotely sense model car positions and orientations through the Cluster Pattern Interface (CLUSPI), embedded into the flooring of the model environment. Based on that the controlling computer maintains a virtual reality representation of the model environment and uses it for producing additional views and for providing guidance to users.The tangible parking simulation and guidance model environment has the potential to augment traditional classroom learning and to bridge the gap between driving theory and practice. Potential application areas could be driving schools, events for increasing driving safety awareness and others.
[kanev-08:2006]	K. Kanev, N. Mirenkov, and A. Urata. Fine Position Sensing for Parking Simulation and Guidance. In Proceedings of the Ninth Int. Conf. on Human and Computers HCf06, pages 56-59, 2006.
	In this work we discuss parking facilities enhanced with digitally encoded signs and surfaces that could greatly facilitate car local position and orientation tracking and thus serve as a basis for steering and automated parking. As a proof of concept we build an experimental system, based on a 1/10 remote controlled car with a wireless camera and a corresponding computer system. Specialized Cluster Pattern Interface (CLUSPI) software analyzes images obtained by the wireless camera and determines local position and orientation of the model car. Obtained tracking data, when mapped to the geometry of the model parking facility, allows for early detection of potential collisions and thus for appropriate steering guidance. Further, by mapping to virtual models of real cars and parking facilities far more realistic visualization and simulations could also be provided. Possibilities for enhancing learning and comprehension through self-explanatory components and multiple views are under consideration. Potential applications of the experimental model system could be training and evaluation of steering and parking skills.
[kanev-09:2006]	K. Kanev, D. Turk, T. Orr, and J. Brine. A Dynamic Group Environment for Collaborative Language Learning. In Proceedings of the 15th International Conference on Computers in Education (ICCE 2007), 2007.
	In this paper, we introduce a new method for collaborative language learning based on dynamic groups. The method is applicable to classes of all sizes and supports work at the individual, group and class levels. Digitally-enhanced teaching materials with Cluster Pattern Interface (CLUSPI) direct point-andclick functionality are used to enhance the development of student dialogue, text manipulation and reading comprehension skills. The educational process takes place in a computer-assisted environment, which supports immediate student identification, direct interactions with printed materials and instant access to diverse multimedia content. While this method was developed for English language teaching, it could be feasibly employed for any educational discipline in which students are required to read or interact with printed materials.
[niki-02:2006]	Gennadiy Nikishkov and Tomokazu Tsuchimoto. Using augmented reality for real-time visualization of tactile health examination. In Procs of Second Int. Conf. on Computer Graphics Theory and Applications GRAPP 2007, pages 91-97, Barcelona, 8-11 March 2007.
	An augmented-reality approach to real-time visualization of tactile data with projection on a human organ is presented. A target procedure is breast cancer examination with a tactile sensor. The special tactile sensor is used to measure tissue stiffness values at discrete points of the examined organ. We developed an augmented reality system which integrates the tactile sensor, a head-mounted display with a small video camera, and a notebook computer. Tracking of the human organ and the tactile sensor is based on optical markers. One marker is attached to the patientfs body and is used to track the spatial position of the human organ. Another marker is placed on the tactile sensor. Registering space positions of this marker with respect to the first marker allows determination of the shape of the human organ for subsequent data visualization. Results of stiffness measurements are depicted as semi-transparent three-dimensional objects projected on the patientfs body. Different visualization techniques are employed depending on the amount of data and user preference.Experiments with sensing tactile data and its visualization for a variety of objects, including a silicon breast model and animals organs, have been performed. It was found that the developed augmentedreality system is useful in medical-physics measurements.
[niki-03:2006]	T.Tsuchimoto and G.P.Nikishkov. Augmented-reality visualization of tissue stiffness data. In Procs of Int. Conf. on Medical Information Visualization MediVis 2006, pages 59-64, London, 5-7 July 2006.
	In this article, we present an augmented-reality approach to visualization of human tissue stiffness data.Tissue stiffness values are measured by a special tactile sensor. A head-mounted display with a small video camera and a notebook computer are employed. We use two markers to create augmentation of a human organ by computer-generated visual information. One marker is attached to the patientfs body and is used to track the spacial position of the human organ where the measurements are done. Another marker is integrated into the tactile sensor. Tracking this marker helps to deter-mine the shape of the human organ for subsequent data visualization. Results of stiffness measurements are depicted as semi-transparent three-dimensional objects superimposed on the patientfs body. We have experimented with sensing stiffness data and its visualization for a variety of objects, from a silicon breast model to animals organs. Experiments show that the developed augmented-reality system is useful in medical-physics measurements.

Grants

[kanev-10:2006]	K. Kanev, N. Kamiya, and N. Mirenkov. Assisting and Enhancing Math Studies at Elementary and Secondary Schools Through Innovative Interaction Methods and Application of New Technologies, 2006.
[kanev-11:2006]	K. Kanev and K. Yamauchi. Research Regarding Labels and a Label Reader Using CLUSPI, 2006-2007.
[niki-04:2006]	Gennadiy Nikishkov. Oki Data Corporation, collaborative research, 2006-2008.
[niki-05:2006]	Gennadiy Nikishkov. Fukushima Prefectural Foundation, 2006.
[niki-06:2006]	Gennadiy Nikishkov. Tohoku Nuclear Cluster, 2006.

Academic Activities

[kanev-12:2006]	K. Kanev, 2006. Member of the Program Committee, Japan-China Joint Workshop on Frontier of Computer Science and Technology (FCST 2006)
[kanev-13:2006]	K. Kanev, 2007. Member of the Program Committee, IEEE 7th International Conference on Computer and Information Technology (CIT2007)
[kanev-14:2006]	K. Kanev, 2007. Track Chair, Data Processing and Multimedia Systems, CIT2007
[niki-07:2006]	Gennadiy Nikishkov, 2006. Member of the Editorial Board, International Journal fComputerModeling in Engineering and Sciencesf.
[niki-08:2006]	Gennadiy Nikishkov, Jan. 2007. Member of the Organizing Committee, Int. Conf. on Computational and ExperimentalEngineering and Sciences ICCES 2007, Mayami, USA.
[niki-09:2006]	Gennadiy Nikishkov, Mar. 2007. Member of the Program Committee, Int. Conf. on Computer Graphics Theoryand Applications GRAPP 2007, Barcelona, Spain.
[niki-10:2006]	Gennadiy Nikishkov, 2006. Reviewer, Computer Modeling in Engineering and Sciences.
[niki-11:2006]	Gennadiy Nikishkov, 2006. Reviewer, Computers and Structures.
[niki-12:2006]	Gennadiy Nikishkov, 2006. Reviewer, Engineering Fracture Mechanics.
[niki-13:2006]	Gennadiy Nikishkov, 2006. Reviewer, Journal of Virtual Reality and Broadcasting.
[niki-14:2006]	Gennadiy Nikishkov, Sep. 2006. Member of the Editorial Board, Eighth International Conference on Computational Structures Technology CST 2006, Spain.

Patents

[kanev-15:2006]	K. Kanev and S. Kimura. Digital Information Carrier, Patent Application No 268931, November 2006.
[kanev-16:2006]	K. Kanev and S. Kimura. Digital Information Carrier, Patent Application No 298113, November 2006.
[kanev-17:2006]	K. Kanev and S. Kimura. Digital Information Carrier, Patent Application No 298114, November 2006.

Ph.D and Other Theses

[niki-15:2006]	Youhei Nishidate. Master Thesis: Finite element modeling and visualization of flexible structures, University of Aizu, 2005. Thesis Advisor: Gennadiy Nikishkov
[niki-16:2006]	Akiha Iwase. Graduation Thesis: Visualization of finite element results as isosurfaces, University of Aizu, 2006. Thesis Advisor: Gennadiy Nikishkov
[niki-17:2006]	Takayuki Hattori. Graduation Thesis: Evaluation of head-controlled user interface, University of Aizu, 2006. Thesis Advisor: Gennadiy Nikishkov
[niki-18:2006]	Hiroyuki Katsu. Graduation Thesis: Transformation of 2D paintings into quasi-3D scenes, University of Aizu, 2006. Thesis Advisor: Gennadiy Nikishkov
[niki-19:2006]	Vincent Graveleau. Master Thesis: A flexible video-based tracking framework for user-interface creation, University of Aizu, 2006. Thesis Advisor: Gennadiy Nikishkov

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