Optimization with Data Visualization

Data visualization is the process in which data is represented in dynamic images in order to reveal its intrinsic patterns. This thesis is based on the redesigning of machinery through data visualization so that businesses can visually see how to improve upon production. The focus is to improve the production of fibers in materials processing operations. Through data visualization I improved upon an existing three-dimensional (3-D) interactive program so that various fiber production processes can be analyzed for optimization. The goal for this project was to transform data (massive amounts of data points) into dynamic images that can be manipulated and traveled within a real-time, 3-D animated space. With this type of visualization, businesses will easily be allowed to visually analyze and optimize production quickly. There were three main objectives in developing my piece of the software. One objective was to incorporate machine surfaces. This will allow for the design of machine surfaces along with real-time interaction of controls to move and reinvent machine surfaces and machine configuration. Another objective was to enhance the machinery's 3-D perspective by using graphical/a nimation techniques such as coloring, lighting, and shading. And the third main objective was to smooth the jagged fibers. The main anticipated result was the creation of 3-D, realistic machinery for a specific fiber flow process. All objectives except for the smoothing of the fibers were met successfully. Future improvements, other than the completion of the failed objective, would be the actual implementation of real-time manip ulation between the machine surfaces and fibers. More interface controls could also be added to aid in the manipulation. Also, various colors could be add ed to the fibers.

Thesis originally deposited on 2011-12-28 in version 1.28 of Libra. This thesis was migrated to Libra2 on 2016-11-30 15:16:58.