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
A Distributed Virtual Factory in Agile Manufacturing. The aim of this research is to develop an Intelligent Distributed Virtual Factory consisting of several distributed precise simulation models connected by several synchronisation mechanisms named Time Bucket algorithms. Intelligent Distributed Virtual Factory will then be applied into precise evaluations of the whole manufacturing system under two major types of manufacturing operational logics, PULL and PUSH methods.
Theatres Online: Achieving Theoretical and Practical Solutions to Problems of Theatre Space via Virtual Reality Computational Modeling. This project merges theoretical and practical approaches to theatre production to make the complex phenomenon of theatre space more accessible to both researchers and industry professionals. It achieves this by providing a virtual reality model of selected theatres, so that users might better comprehend a venue's spatial dynamics. This dimensionally-accurate rep ....Theatres Online: Achieving Theoretical and Practical Solutions to Problems of Theatre Space via Virtual Reality Computational Modeling. This project merges theoretical and practical approaches to theatre production to make the complex phenomenon of theatre space more accessible to both researchers and industry professionals. It achieves this by providing a virtual reality model of selected theatres, so that users might better comprehend a venue's spatial dynamics. This dimensionally-accurate representation permits a full understanding of a theatre space (and its potential for performance) even from remote locations, thus potentially making the production of theatre more cost effective. There is no other such project in the theatre world or in computer modelling research.Read moreRead less
A Framework for Adaptive Extensible Personae for Interactive Toys. This project will be of benefit in that it will facilitate the development of quality toys, based on sound psychological foundations. These toys will have a long life since they can be extended over time, growing with the child. There is also potential to be used for children with psychological difficulties, and applications in health and aged-care. This project will provide opportunities for Australian business, and will also h ....A Framework for Adaptive Extensible Personae for Interactive Toys. This project will be of benefit in that it will facilitate the development of quality toys, based on sound psychological foundations. These toys will have a long life since they can be extended over time, growing with the child. There is also potential to be used for children with psychological difficulties, and applications in health and aged-care. This project will provide opportunities for Australian business, and will also help to keep Australia at the forefront in the area of intelligent agent technology. It is an example of a project that helps create a culture of innovation in Australian industry.Read moreRead less
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
Stochastic Modelling of Genetic Regulatory Networks: Subtitle - Genetic Regulation is a Noisy Business. The completion of the human genome marked the culmination of one hundred years of reductionist science in cell biology. Although further bioinformatics analysis will continue, the focus is shifting towards synthesis and understanding how the regulatory genetic components dynamically interact to form functional phenotypes. The key to this is the understanding of the roles of stochasticity in ....Stochastic Modelling of Genetic Regulatory Networks: Subtitle - Genetic Regulation is a Noisy Business. The completion of the human genome marked the culmination of one hundred years of reductionist science in cell biology. Although further bioinformatics analysis will continue, the focus is shifting towards synthesis and understanding how the regulatory genetic components dynamically interact to form functional phenotypes. The key to this is the understanding of the roles of stochasticity in cellular processes. This project will explore these roles and will develop an integrated complex systems modelling, simulation and visualisation framework. This will be used on an exemplar application for lineage commitment in haematopoiesis and for exploring and validating genetic regulatory models in general.Read moreRead less
Multiscale stochastic modelling of genetic regulatory mechanisms. The completion of the human genome marked the culmination of one hundred years of reductionist science in cell biology. Although further bioinformatics analysis will continue, the focus is shifting towards synthesis and understanding how the regulatory genetic components dynamically interact to form functional phenotypes. The key to this is the understanding of the roles of stochasticity in cellular processes. This project will ex ....Multiscale stochastic modelling of genetic regulatory mechanisms. The completion of the human genome marked the culmination of one hundred years of reductionist science in cell biology. Although further bioinformatics analysis will continue, the focus is shifting towards synthesis and understanding how the regulatory genetic components dynamically interact to form functional phenotypes. The key to this is the understanding of the roles of stochasticity in cellular processes. This project will explore these roles and will develop an integrated complex systems modelling, simulation and visualisation framework for exploring and validating genetic regulatory models in general. This will be used on an exemplar application for understanding the induction process in lambda phage.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
Design in Context: Augmented Reality Technology to Improve the Quality and Performance of Architecture. This project will develop tools and knowledge to assess and improve the environmental performance and visual impact of design proposals prior to construction. The design simulation technology proposed here will allow stakeholders to concurrently test socio-cultural and functional performance over time, will allow more informed decision making and make a significant contribution to the social, ....Design in Context: Augmented Reality Technology to Improve the Quality and Performance of Architecture. This project will develop tools and knowledge to assess and improve the environmental performance and visual impact of design proposals prior to construction. The design simulation technology proposed here will allow stakeholders to concurrently test socio-cultural and functional performance over time, will allow more informed decision making and make a significant contribution to the social, cultural and economic life of Australia. The augmented reality technology to be developed in this project also has significant potential for applications in other domains and industries such as landscape and parks management.Read moreRead less
Ostracism and Aggression. Ostracism has been implicated in school shootings (e.g., Columbine) and other violent or anti-social episodes (e.g., Port Arthur shootings). Some argue that ostracism drives individuals toward joining violent extremist groups. Research, however, is mixed: sometimes targets of ostracism correct their behaviors to be more socially acceptable; whereas other times they react with aggression. This research program will investigate the conditions under which ostracism either ....Ostracism and Aggression. Ostracism has been implicated in school shootings (e.g., Columbine) and other violent or anti-social episodes (e.g., Port Arthur shootings). Some argue that ostracism drives individuals toward joining violent extremist groups. Research, however, is mixed: sometimes targets of ostracism correct their behaviors to be more socially acceptable; whereas other times they react with aggression. This research program will investigate the conditions under which ostracism either leads to paths of either pro-social or aggressive reactions. A new virtual reality paradigm will be developed to provide stronger manipulations of ostracism and to assist in discovering the crucial conditions responsible for these paths.Read moreRead less