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Fossils, Galactic Voids and other Research Topics Brought to Life with
Data Visualization Software from AVS at Ohio Supercomputer Center
Whether visualizing fossil bones to understand the relationship between
bone structure and the functional characteristics of a skeleton,
investigating void-finding algorithms to define voids in 3D
galaxy surveys, or completing a research project for the US
Department of Defense, data visualization software from Advanced
Visual Systems is an integral part of research and analysis
at the Ohio Supercomputer Center (OSC).
Nationally recognized as one of the country's top cluster computing sites,
the Columbus-based Ohio Supercomputer Center (OSC) is using
several editors of AVS/ExpressÆ along with CRAY SV1, CRAY
T94, SGI Origin 2000 and SGI Onyx2 computers to support a
diverse range of research by scientists and engineers throughout
Ohio and for a variety of customers including the US Government
and partners such as the Maui High-Performance Computing Center.
Screen captures of various research projects conducted at
OSC using AVS/Express can be viewed at www.avs.com/news/032601-OSC.html.
Recent research projects that utilized AVS/Express software include
3D renderings of fossil specimens from the Miocene Hominoid
Proconsul to understand the developmental processes and functional
changes that occurred in early hominoid evolution; 3D visualization
of recently rediscovered geological samples taken from the
area where downtown Cleveland now is erected to gain insight
into the geographic area's past; a 2D simulation of falling
paper to better understand the complex interaction between
air and a solid object moving through the air; and land mine
detection.
"We selected the AVS/Express platforms because of their robust
nature and ability to be deployed on a wide range of hardware," says
Dr. Ken Flurchick, director of scientific programs at OSC.
"In addition, the applications enable our researchers to try
out a number of different techniques very quickly and easily
and without having to develop visualization code." Flurchick
has used the software to develop an application for chemists
called STM that reads 14 different file formats for chemistry
simultaneously and displays the complex information of both
geometric and electronic structure.
"I use the Multipipe Edition extensively," says Flurchick, "in part
because it easily facilitates collaboration among researchers,
and the immersive environment enhances one's ability to quickly
see nuances in the data." In addition to supporting and facilitating
research, Flurchick and OSC provide researchers with a number
of different training sessions on how to use the AVS/Express
software.
AVS/Express has been used to visualize many different types of
data in a wide range of configurations - extending from portable test
systems to theatre-sized visualization facilities - as well
as on Windows PCs and UNIX workstations from Hewlett-Packard,
Digital, IBM, SGI and Sun. Over 1,000 worldwide customers
and 8,000 licensed users rely on AVS/Express to bring clarity
to complex scientific, engineering and business data through
highly visual representations that facilitate rapid understanding
and comprehension.
About Advanced Visual Systems
Advanced Visual Systems (AVS) is an international leader in data visualization
software and solutions that enable computer users to experience
and interact with all types of business, scientific and engineering
data. AVS offers a complete line of products that bring information
to life on all major computing platforms using the latest
in graphics, Web-based and collaborative technologies. AVS
is dedicated to helping clients in nearly every industry speed
the process of data analysis and decision-making. For more
information on AVS call (781) 890-4300, write to info@avs.com.
About OSC (Ohio Supercomputer Center)
OSC
is Ohio's flagship center for high performance computing,
networking, educational outreach, and information technology.
OSC empowers its academic, industrial, and government partners
to make Ohio the education and technology state of the future.
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