Simulation and Interactive Visualization Applications Lab
(SIVA Lab)
ABOUT
MISSION
The research group at the SIVA Lab led by Dr. Bimal Balakrishnan seek to advance our theoretical understanding of emerging advanced visualization and simulation technologies. They draw ideas, theories and methodologies from architecture and design, human-computer interaction, and media psychology. We use this knowledge and our extensive creative design skills to develop advanced 3D visualizations and simulations to tackle applied problems cutting across disciplinary boundaries.
TECHNOLOGY CAPABILITIES
The SIVA Lab is currently taking shape in 105 Howell Hall until the new facilities for the College of Architecture, Art and Design are completed. The lab team has started the process of acquiring state-of-the-art advanced visualization and simulation software, an extensive collection of VR and AR displays, as well as usability and performance assessment tools. Acquisition of the following software and hardware tools is expected to be complete by the end of Spring 2023 semester.
Software Resources
Collection of visualization and simulation authoring tools will include a variety of CAD (AutoCAD, Rhino etc.), modeling & animation (Blender, Mudbox, 3D Studio Max, Maya, MotionBuilder, Houdini), Building Information Modeling (Revit) and matchmoving, game development platforms (Unreal Engine), and virtual and augmented reality authoring tools. The lab will also have high-end graphics workstations to support these software tools to develop high-quality, photorealistic renderings and virtual reality simulations.
Hardware Resources
These will include stereoscopic 3D visualization using large screen display (approx. 16 ft x 6 ft), virtual reality (VR) Head-Mounted Displays (HTC Vive, Oculus Quest, Varjo), augmented reality (AR) headsets (HoloLens), full-body motion capture and tracking (IMU-based Perception Neuron) as well as measurement tools for human-computer interaction (LogSquare, INTERACT), and eye-tracking technology compatible with VR. The lab also has a 360-degree 3D camera (Vuze+) for capturing immersive 360-degree video in 3D. The implementation of the above hardware is expected to be completed by the end of Spring 2023.