Phillip S. Dunston - US grants

Project Abstract:
This research aims to establish scientific principles and extend technologies for using Mixed Reality (MR) ? visualization blending real and virtual elements ? to support decision-making and control through the life cycle phases of constructed facility projects. Challenges in establishing MR as a viable technology in the architecture, engineering, and construction (A/E/C) industry will be addressed through real-time virtual model generation, measurement of spatial cognition benefits, information visualization, and the definition of functionalities for individual and collaborative human-computer interactions. This research is guided by the promise of Mixed Reality to provide intuitive and liberal interactions with design models and related project data in a more ubiquitous computing environment for the construction enterprise.
Two particular research foci are 1. the creation of efficient and intuitive design and planning environments that utilize MR technology for enhancing design comprehension and supporting collaborations; and 2. the creation of interface systems and interaction techniques that support the acquisition and communication of job site planning, execution, and inspection knowledge through direct access to graphically displayed, spatially referenced digital design data.
The core research is complemented by education activities encompassing both the creation of virtual visualization course modules and outreach and mentoring activities to expand the pipeline of African American students pursuing graduate degrees in civil engineering. Recruiting and mentoring of students will be aided by a network of linkages with existing university outreach programs, an existing industry-university consortium, and parallel department-level initiatives to increase the numbers of women and students from Predominantly Undergraduate Institutions in engineering.
The research plan aims to advance knowledge in the A/E/C industry with regard to human-machine interfaces and computer-mediated human-to-human interactions, particularly by addressing human factors. This research will advance discovery in the construction discipline by applying a greater range of interdisciplinary expertise to meet challenges in creating, modifying, communicating, and comprehending constructed facility designs. By further broadening the application of computing, the research serves to transform what is generally regarded as the predominantly "low-tech" nature of the A/E/C industry. Enhancements can be achieved for both construction work processes and construction education. The integrated education plan will develop a model for improving the network of relationships between minority and majority institutions.

This interdisciplinary research program addresses construction industry training needs in equipment operation by drawing upon such knowledge domains as computer graphics, human-machine interaction, psychology, human factors. This research will contribute to the foundation of the visualization, training, and safety topic areas for architecture, engineering, and construction research and establish fundamental knowledge for more effective use of technology tools to improve workforce development methods and outcomes. The proposed integrated activities will advance discovery regarding the cognitive, sensory and motor characteristics of real and virtual training, human-machine interaction, and construction workforce development areas. Crucial to virtual training systems is the issue of skill transfer from the virtual practice experience to real world performance. Through development of a unique experimental facility and a sequence of experiments, the program of research is devised to establish new understandings regarding skill requirements, skill development and learning in varied artificial environments, and transfer of skills between artificial and real environments.
Fundamental research on the comparative effectiveness of virtual technologies in equipment-operator training is limited worldwide and pursued very little in the United States. Given the size of the construction industry and other related industries (e.g., manufacturing), the research contributions in this project are expected to directly impact the US workforce and economy and will potentially enable better design, operation and management of equipment-related operator training programs. Broader impacts of the research will include three societal benefits: 1) the reductions in workforce training costs that can be possible through proper design of virtual training systems; 2) the effective education and training of the future industrial workforce, construction engineers, and human factors experts; and 3) the broad knowledge and technology transfer of equipment training technology and principles from the construction industry to other related industries.

The Reinvigorating Engineering and Changing History (REACH) Scholars Program at Purdue University will offer qualified Masters and direct admit Ph.D. engineering students opportunities to explore multiple academic pathways and to work closely with their peers and with faculty to create a community of scholars who will be prepared broadly for careers across multiple domains. Overarching goals of the program are to help students transition from undergraduate programs to engineering programs at Purdue and to inform Scholars about transition options after they obtain their Masters or Ph.D. degrees. REACH Scholars will be recruited from eleven Schools within the College and will be selected based upon their academic talent and their financial eligibility for Graduate Assistance in Areas of National Need (GANN). Upon determining the financial need of admitted students, REACH will award up to $10,000 scholarships annually to approximately 29 engineering graduate students entering their first semester at Purdue University.