Simulation and Visualization Reserach Group (SimVis)
The Group's research focus is on Simulation and Visualization Environments (SVEs). Specifically, virtual environments in medicine, radiotherapy, archaeology, marine environments and computational steering. Our research concerns innovative applications of SVEs and new tools and techniques associated with constructing SVEs. A major capital and staff investment programme for the group has resulted in the group becoming an international leader in the majority of its research themes.
Since 2001 we have published over 140 refereed scientific papers in international conferences and journals and our blue chip grants include: 4 EPSRC, 1 BBSRC, 3 EU, 2 Dept of Health, 1 Leverhulme. Currently we have a portfolio of 16 grants worth £3.3M to Hull, 10 RAs and 15 postgraduate researchers. Our 5 year plan is to further enhance our international excellence, expand our research activity through capitalising on existing research strengths and collaborations, invest in new academic staff, increase grant funding and increase commercialisation.
Research Environment
In 2003 we established the HIVE (Hull Immersive Virtual Environment Centre) centre. This was funded with over £1M from HEFCE’s Strategic Research Investment Fund (SRIF). The aim of this strategic investment was to leverage research of SimVis, the University and the region through state-of-the-art visualization, interaction and computing technologies and expertise of the SimVis group.
HIVE’s world class facilities include a 30 seat auditorium with a large (13m2) stereoscopic display (work wall), 3D content and modelling facilities (2 laser scanners, 14 camera motion capture suite), advanced visualization and interaction technologies (Dome projector, portable 3D projectors, VR helmets, Phantom haptic pointers, position trackers, etc) and a 76 node computing cluster with a 12 Terabyte SAN. In addition SimVis has an x-ray imaging suite and a coordinate measuring machine facility.
These strategic investments have contributed to major new research projects in SVEs for heritage (EU VENUS), anthropology (BBSRC, EU EVAN), radiotherapy (CMS and VERT) and interventional radiology (EPSRC and DoH).
Projects
A sample set of our projects can be seen here.
