Sound and Shape Synthesis Using Tensegrity Particle Systems. Pixar's Toy Story amazed audiences with its computer-generated images, yet the sound was still composed and ?tuned? almost wholly by human hand. In industry, virtual reality systems are increasingly applied to simulation and visualisation but, in general, 'sound? is poorly handled. In this project, we seek to research complex systems that will simulate an object's sound, shape and interaction characteristics in a unified approach. Our ....Sound and Shape Synthesis Using Tensegrity Particle Systems. Pixar's Toy Story amazed audiences with its computer-generated images, yet the sound was still composed and ?tuned? almost wholly by human hand. In industry, virtual reality systems are increasingly applied to simulation and visualisation but, in general, 'sound? is poorly handled. In this project, we seek to research complex systems that will simulate an object's sound, shape and interaction characteristics in a unified approach. Our proposed Tensegrity particle systems generate minimal, stable and robust descriptions of objects in interacting situations. This represents a new and unique approach to the unified representation of multimedia objects with applications in manufacturing and entertainment.Read moreRead less
ISim - a realistic intubation simulator using Virtual Reality technology. Simulation training has been adopted widely in aerospace, nuclear power and the military, but simulation in medicine has a relatively short history. This research will drive Australia to the forefront of the medical simulation industry. Effective management and treatment of patients is a priority in health care. Medical resources are required to ensure that staff are trained efficiently and effectively on critical medical ....ISim - a realistic intubation simulator using Virtual Reality technology. Simulation training has been adopted widely in aerospace, nuclear power and the military, but simulation in medicine has a relatively short history. This research will drive Australia to the forefront of the medical simulation industry. Effective management and treatment of patients is a priority in health care. Medical resources are required to ensure that staff are trained efficiently and effectively on critical medical procedures. The high growth of claims for medical accidents and the accompanying rise in medical insurance adds to the impetus for major hospitals to demonstrate they are using advanced methods for training. The community will benefit from better-trained medical staff, and a better standard of healthcare. Read moreRead less
Variation and Perceptual Ecologies in Computer Games and Simulations: Towards a Generic Model of Variable 3D Environments. The non repeatability is a key element in providing a challenging and interesting experience in computer games and simulations. However, too much variation could lead to a rejection of the environment and reluctance to accept the premise as a base for game play or training. Examples of applications that could utilise this research include; (a) Computer Games - always playing ....Variation and Perceptual Ecologies in Computer Games and Simulations: Towards a Generic Model of Variable 3D Environments. The non repeatability is a key element in providing a challenging and interesting experience in computer games and simulations. However, too much variation could lead to a rejection of the environment and reluctance to accept the premise as a base for game play or training. Examples of applications that could utilise this research include; (a) Computer Games - always playing in an unknown environment, (b) Vocational Training - a Forest Fire Fighting simulation that allows for different terrain configurations, undergrowth volatility, fire source, etc., and (c) Military Simulations - Anti-terrorist simulations where the level of variability will manifest itself both in the physical environment and in the nature of the combatants. Read moreRead less
QUA:Queensland digital Ultra-Atlas. This project aims to design and develop a digital ultra-atlas of Queensland which integrates the capabilities of GIS(geographical information system) with interactive 4D graphical modelling,knowledge extraction and context-based query and retrieval. This ultra-atlas would allow users to discover knowledge on natural resources,cultural characteristics and historical changes,as well as simulating different effects by providing advanced search capabilities and en ....QUA:Queensland digital Ultra-Atlas. This project aims to design and develop a digital ultra-atlas of Queensland which integrates the capabilities of GIS(geographical information system) with interactive 4D graphical modelling,knowledge extraction and context-based query and retrieval. This ultra-atlas would allow users to discover knowledge on natural resources,cultural characteristics and historical changes,as well as simulating different effects by providing advanced search capabilities and engaging display of spatial and thematically-linked data. Such an ultra-atlas would have enormous impact on facilitating strategic planning and performance in many applications(e.g fire control,environment and urban planning).Read moreRead less
Parametric coding of acoustic fields using models of auditory sensitivity. The project represents cutting edge research in the field of soundfield recording, audio compression and reproduction. The introduction of explicit acoustic field theory to the field of audio compression is a substantive and innovative change that not only furthers the knowledge base in the field but also provides a framework for contributions in related fields such as auditory prosthetics and noise cancellation. The most ....Parametric coding of acoustic fields using models of auditory sensitivity. The project represents cutting edge research in the field of soundfield recording, audio compression and reproduction. The introduction of explicit acoustic field theory to the field of audio compression is a substantive and innovative change that not only furthers the knowledge base in the field but also provides a framework for contributions in related fields such as auditory prosthetics and noise cancellation. The most obvious benefits will be international acclaim and the opportunity to patent, develop and ultimately export technology and systems. Outcomes from the project will benefit consumers and facilitate diverse industries within Australia ranging from health management to the consumer electronics and entertainment industry. Read moreRead less
An Intelligent Flexible Virtual Design System for Jigs in Furniture Manufacturing. The objective of this proposal is to develop an intelligent flexible virtual design support system for powered jigs for timber furniture assembly. Current techniques employ manual techniques with high cost and time for assembly operation. The system will provide a virtual environment to design and measure the performance of the jig considering geometry, material property, manufacturability, quality and cost. The ....An Intelligent Flexible Virtual Design System for Jigs in Furniture Manufacturing. The objective of this proposal is to develop an intelligent flexible virtual design support system for powered jigs for timber furniture assembly. Current techniques employ manual techniques with high cost and time for assembly operation. The system will provide a virtual environment to design and measure the performance of the jig considering geometry, material property, manufacturability, quality and cost. The system will initially be developed to design jigs for assembly of timber bed-heads and will incorporate an advanced feature based design methodology and an expert system to automate, simulate and advise the viability and manufacturability of the jigs.
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An advanced design support system for sofa furniture manufacturing. Moran currently exports its products and has an established brand name in Australia and parts of Asia due to its long-term emphasis on the structure and comfort of its furniture. However it, like the whole of the furniture industry in Australia, faces a growing threat from cheap substitute imports. Lowering the manufacturing cost and lead-time, as well as offering a wide variety of designs, are strategic tools for Moran and othe ....An advanced design support system for sofa furniture manufacturing. Moran currently exports its products and has an established brand name in Australia and parts of Asia due to its long-term emphasis on the structure and comfort of its furniture. However it, like the whole of the furniture industry in Australia, faces a growing threat from cheap substitute imports. Lowering the manufacturing cost and lead-time, as well as offering a wide variety of designs, are strategic tools for Moran and other Australian furniture manufacturing companies. Development of a consolidated design approach to respond rapidly with the needed accuracy, which in turn guarantees the desired results, would greatly benefit Moran and other Australian companies who adopt it.Read moreRead less
Broadcasting 3D Audio: Recording, Transmission, and Playback. With the current state of the art, a performance at the Sydney Opera House cannot be recorded and broadcast such that you can listen to it as if you are in the best seat of the house. The goal of our project is to develop the ultimate form of multi-channel audio broadcasting to create this experience. We will develop and implement effective systems for recording, broadcasting and playback of 3D audio in three different scenarios: indi ....Broadcasting 3D Audio: Recording, Transmission, and Playback. With the current state of the art, a performance at the Sydney Opera House cannot be recorded and broadcast such that you can listen to it as if you are in the best seat of the house. The goal of our project is to develop the ultimate form of multi-channel audio broadcasting to create this experience. We will develop and implement effective systems for recording, broadcasting and playback of 3D audio in three different scenarios: individual headphone reproduction; small loudspeaker array reproduction; and large loudspeaker array reproduction. We will create optimal recording techniques and broadcasting software for each of these playback techniques.Read moreRead less
Risk Management using Agent-Based Virtual Environments. Since September 11, terrorism and its prevention has been high on the agenda of modern governments. On reflection, there were many signs that could have alerted US government officials to what was about to transpire and saved many lives. But much of the knowledge needed to detect and handle such situations can not be learnt from a book. Many things we need to experience in order to learn. This project combines the investigators' expertise i ....Risk Management using Agent-Based Virtual Environments. Since September 11, terrorism and its prevention has been high on the agenda of modern governments. On reflection, there were many signs that could have alerted US government officials to what was about to transpire and saved many lives. But much of the knowledge needed to detect and handle such situations can not be learnt from a book. Many things we need to experience in order to learn. This project combines the investigators' expertise in knowledge based, agent based and natural language fields to produce an interactive virtual environment for the user to engage with.Read moreRead less
Producing 3D video sequences from 2D input video. The project will develop new methods for extracting 3D information from existing films so that they may be used with 3D television monitors marketed by the industrial partner, Dynamic Digital Depth. The 3D representation will allow existing video material such as existing films, TV programs and news video to be viewed in 3D on a suitable 3D TV monitor. This will give a boost to the acceptance of 3D television and film as a preferred medium. Ex ....Producing 3D video sequences from 2D input video. The project will develop new methods for extracting 3D information from existing films so that they may be used with 3D television monitors marketed by the industrial partner, Dynamic Digital Depth. The 3D representation will allow existing video material such as existing films, TV programs and news video to be viewed in 3D on a suitable 3D TV monitor. This will give a boost to the acceptance of 3D television and film as a preferred medium. Expected outcome is a software system that will speed the conversion of 2D video to a 3D representation through automatic and interactive analysis techniques.Read moreRead less