Application
Educating students is a monumental task. Current generation students have been raised in the Age of Nintendo, and are accustomed to and attracted by gee wiz graphics in their college curricula. Moreover, 3D representation has proven unsurpassed in terms of effectively communicating and illustrating complex ideas, in a range of technical educational fields. For these and other reasons, many leading educational institutions have incorporated some sort of visualization into their teaching rooms, be they large 2D screens or displays, or more sophisticated 3D facilities. In North America alone, Cyviz has delivered solutions to more than 80 universities, where some of the most popular application areas include:
• Chemical and Molecular Science
• Computer Sciences
• Earth Science and Atmospheric Research
• Biology and Medicine
• Manufacturing and Engineering
• Scientific Visualization
Value creation in education
3D visualization is a key ingredient in illustrating complex physical structures in academic settings. In chemical and molecular science, 3D representation of docking molecules and proteins is simplified by stereoscopic visualization. In earth sciences and atmospheric research, tectonics and weather patterns may be modeled, displayed and communicated in 3D with significant impact to improve understanding. In engineering, drawing board ideas come to life on the big screen, showing the inner workings of sophisticated machine parts. The list of actual and possible applications goes on, but common to all is high usability, persuasive illustration, effective communication and unsurpassed collaboration. All at an accessible price.
|
|
Case example
“To our surprise, the 3D visualization technology did not cost us US $ 500.000, as envisaged. It didn’t even cost US $ 50.000. And with a portable system we can share its use with other departments and disciplines”
Virginia Commonwealth University
Challenge
Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) is a leading R&D institution in science and engineering, and currently has twenty graduate programmes in the US News & World Report ranking of the top graduate programmes in the nation. The university’s mission includes creating new knowledge through research, applying knowledge in public service and technology transfer, preserving knowledge in their libraries, and transferring knowledge to future generations through teaching and publications. As a cutting edge institution, VCU found that they needed to add 3D visualization to their offering, to improve the quality of their knowledge transfer. Moreover, visualization technology was perceived to strengthen VCU’s position vis-à-vis attracting qualified students, who find such technology appealing when it comes to selecting schools.
Solution:
James River Technical Inc, an authorised Cyviz reseller, met with VCU representatives to present and demonstrate the many capabilities of the portable viz3D solution. The many real-world applications and usages of 3D stereo visualisation were so persuasive for the key Medical, Academic Computing, Engineering and Life Sciences departments that the VCU staff opted to deploy a portable solution from Cyviz. The ever-limiting cost issue was also a surprise to the university, as the viz3D came at a very attractive price, and well within VCU’s budget.
Outcome:
The portability offered by the viz3D means the system can easily be shared between many departments and disciplines, allowing VUC to move into the 3D world at a pace that suited them. The learn-as-you-go approach has meant that VCU has been able to adapt to and incorporate 3D into their academic and research activities at their leisure, and there are plans to expand its use within the educational space in the future. Users now have a potent visualization tool available to see complex renderings and make more informed decisions in their respective fields. Visualization truly has a bright future at VUC.
|
