Ali M. Malkawi

Real-Time Simulations Using Learning Algorithms for Immersive Data Visualization in Buildings

Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) simulations are used to predict indoor thermal environments and assess their response to specific internal/external conditions. Although computing power has increased exponentially in the past decade, CFD simulations are still time-consuming and their prediction results cannot be used for real-time immersive visualization in buildings. A method that can bypass the time-consuming simulations and generate “acceptable” results will allow such visualization to be constructed. This paper discusses a project that utilizes a supervised Artificial Neural Network (ANN) as a learning algorithm to predict post-processed CFD data to ensure rapid data visualization. To develop a generic learning model for a wide range of spatial configurations, this paper presents a pilot project that utilizes an unsupervised Reinforcement Learning (RL) algorithm. The ANN technique was integrated with an interactive, immersive Augmented Reality (AR) system to interact with and visualize CFD results in buildings. ANN was also evaluated against a linear regression model. Both models were tested and validated with datasets to determine their degree of accuracy. Initial tests, conducted to evaluate the users experience of the system, indicated satisfactory results.

Interactive, immersive visualization for indoor environments: use of augmented reality, human-computer interaction and building simulation

We present an interactive gesture recognition-based, immersive augmented reality system visualizing computational fluid dynamics (CFD) datasets of indoor environments. CFD simulation is used to predict the indoor environments and assess their response to specific internal and external conditions. To enable efficient visualization of CFD datasets in actual-space, an augmented reality system was integrated with a CFD simulation engine. To facilitate efficient data manipulation of the simulated post-processed CFD data and to increase the user-control of the immersive environment, a new intuitive method of human-computer interaction (HCI) has been incorporated. A gesture recognition system was integrated with the augmented reality-CFD structure to transform hand-postural data into a general description of hand-shape, through forward kinematics and computation of hand segment positions and their joint angles. This enabled real-time interactions between users and simulated CFD results in actual-space.

Interfacing with the Real Space and its Performance

This paper presents an immersive gesture-recognition-based system to visualize the indoor thermal environment using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). To enable efficient visualization of CFD in actual space, an Augmented Reality system was integrated with a CFD simulation engine. To facilitate efficient data manipulation of the simulated post-processed CFD data and to increase user control of the immersive environment, an intuitive method of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) has been incorporated using gesture and speech recognition. While gesture recognition aids in transforming hand postures into command functions through forward kinematics and computation of hand segment positions and their joint angles, speech recognition allows better control of the data manipulation. This enabled real-time interactions between the users and simulated CFD results in actual space.

Bioclimatic Design Simulation: An Object Oriented Approach for Energy Load and Natural Ventilation Calculations

Abstract During the past few years, the research team of the University of Michigan has developed techniques to solve problems associated with designing a performance evaluation tool environment. This paper describes the development of a system (Web-IBEDO) that makes use of emerging communication technology. The system is being used as a model for a larger implementation of distributed multi-simulation environment that provides quantitative data for bioclimatic building design. Web-IBEDO is a computer program that supports the simultaneous integrated use of simulation tools and multiple databases, over the World Wide Web (www). This energy performance simulation system has been developed using the Microsoft Visual Basic ActiveX DLL technology that supports Object Linking and Embedding (OLE). The systems engine resides on a web server and is controlled by a web-browser. The goal is to deliver this tool to all the design actors via the network and thus enhance the capabilities of sharing specialized knowledge among the project participants.