Abstract
Scientific visualization is a relative new area of research which is concerned with the development of the technology for extracting knowledge from large complex, simulated or empirical data. Primarily the means of presenting this information is through computer graphics. Sophisticated, 3D computer graphics techniques are now commonly used in all scientific and engineering disciplines to represent experimental and calculated data. Several scientific con-cepts can only be really understood by learning about the spatial geometric relationships between objects including rotation and orientation. In addition, mathematical relationships in 3 or higher dimensions can also be visualized. Many organizations have funded efforts to develop models and algorithms to visualize data on a computer screen. however, very little attention has been paid to bring this information to the visually impaired. This concept has broader implications in the area of science education, for example, teaching scientific concepts on a nano scale to elementary, high school and college students at large with models they can touch, feel and observe.Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a method using Scanning Probe Microscopy and Rapid Prototyping to produce physical models of Three dimensional images obtained by measurements of 3D objects in the nano-scale. These images can only be viewed at present on a computer monitor screen and arc not generally accessible to students in K-12 or in the university system and especially visually impaired students. This invention is a method for making models of nano-scale phenomena for educational purposes and use in the classroom and the laboratory.
| Original language | English (US) |
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| State | Published - Jan 1 1900 |