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Graphics and Visualization Lab (GVIS)

The Graphics and Visualization Lab applies advanced visualization technology and expertise to create innovative solutions for NASA and the scientific community.

Facility Overview

A room filled with large computer monitors and blue signs describing work stations.
The Graphics and Visualization Lab (GVIS) at NASA’s Glenn Research Center.

For over 30 years, the Graphics and Visualization Lab (GVIS) has been providing visualization support to each of the Glenn Research Center’s core competencies. We are a unique lab that develops graphic visualizations from data and models to provide researchers, scientists, engineers and others with a visual tool to develop solutions for their work.

Our team is part of the Scientific Computing and Visualization Team at Glenn which works to unite the worlds of visualization and scientific computing.

The lab is also part of a collection of “Creative Spaces” at Glenn. It is a facility whose doors are always open for NASA employees to stop by and discuss their needs and ideas, and also to experiment with the equipment.

What We Do

One of the Lab’s main objectives is to work with scientists and engineers to produce custom graphics applications of their projects.

Within our varied projects, we specialize in:

  • Virtual design
  • Interactive 3D simulations
  • Natural user interface development
  • Mission scenario visualizations

The Lab supports the visualization of a wide variety of 3D data and models such as CAD, point clouds and volume data. We are capable of high-impact data visualization, web-based visualization, time-accurate data representation, and designing and testing CAD models in virtual reality.

The GVIS Lab also places an emphasis on education and outreach by educating the community through hands-on educational events at local schools, museums and organizations. By hosting tours of the lab and conducting presentations and events, the lab inspires the next generation of STEM-minded students.

What We’re Working On

Subsonic Single Aft Engine (SUSAN)

The SUSAN visualization, short for Subsonic Single Aft Engine, is a cutting-edge concept for a hybrid electric commercial jet aircraft. This innovative design incorporates a single aft jet engine,complemented by sixteen electric engines distributed among the two wings in a mailbox configuration. This experimental aircraft boasts NASA-designed electronic flight displays, which enhance its navigation and control capabilities. The aircraft features a distinctive T-tail configuration, which contributes to its aerodynamic efficiency. The primary objective of SUSAN is to significantly reduce fuel consumption during flight, aligning with NASA’s mission to promote more sustainable and eco-friendly aviation technologies. To learn more about SUSAN, click here!

W8 Facility Digital Twin

The W8 Facility Digital Twin was created to prototype a digital twin of the W8 Facility within the realm of virtual reality. This involved meticulously recreating the facility and its intricate hardware, using existing CAD models as the foundation. The culmination of this effort allows users to immerse themselves in the virtual environment and navigate through the facility. The virtual model boasts an augmented aspect: key pieces of geometry and hardware are adorned with informative call-outs, showcasing a range of data including temperature and pressure. These data points are derived from the actual tests, lending authenticity to the virtual experience. Through this, the primary objective was to unravel the intricate process of developing a virtual twin in the VR realm, while simultaneously pinpointing the array of challenges that lie within this innovative pursuit.

Lunar Communications Architecture for future Artemis Missions

At NASA Glenn, an emulation environment within the MATRICS system is utilized to test cutting-edge technologies developed during the Lunar LTE Studies Project, or LunarLiTES. LunarLiTES aims to assess the applicability of 4G and 5G technologies in the lunar environment, with the ultimate goal of providing future lunar explorers with the same level of seamless communication they enjoy on Earth.

The LunarLiTES team is dedicated to enhancing the Multiple Asset Tested for Research of Innovative Communication Systems (MATRICS) emulation environment by introducing 4G and 5G capabilities. The specific objective is to analyze the performance of 4G and 5G communication systems on the lunar surface.

The lunar communications architecture animation not only showcases the Lunar LTE Studies project but also highlights the pivotal role played by SCaN’s team at NASA Glenn. The primary intention with this visualization is to educate and engage the public, shedding light on SCaN’s mission and its significant contributions within the NASA agency.

HEMM AR Application

Developed within the realms of Unity 3D in C# and optimized for the Oculus Quest 2, this app is a gateway to augmented reality. By utilizing the device’s external cameras, it seamlessly blends the virtual and real worlds. With intuitive hand tracing and wireless freedom, even beginners can become proficient within minutes. The app’s mission is to democratize augmented reality, allowing users to experience 3D models and data visualizations affordably. This accessibility paves the way for widespread integration in education, capitalizing on the power of visual learning without being expensive.

W-1A Small Core Research

A holographic tour guide avatar stands in front of a large inlet bellmouth in this screenshot.W-1A is NASA Glenn’s Low Speed Axial Compressor facility. This virtual reality experience allows the user to take an immersive and interactive tour of the facility as it is being used for recent work on jet engine casing treatments. Using a VR headset or the Cave Automated Virtual-Reality Environment (CAVE), the user can explore the facility’s environment, examine the engine and pick up objects to better inspect them in a seemingly realistic way. A video featuring the W-1A visualization can be seen on our YouTube channel.

Quick Facts

3D fluid flow simulation in GVIS Lab's GRUVE Lab.
Users analyze a 3D fluid flow simulation in GVIS Lab’s GRUVE Lab.
  • The GVIS Lab consists of two rooms: the main lab and the GRUVE Lab
  • All six of NASA’s Glenn Research Center’s core competencies are supported through GVIS Lab’s visualization work
  • The CAVE consists of three vertical walls and a floor measuring 22.5′ wide x 18.5′ deep x 10′ high on which computer-generated stereoscopic images are displayed
  • The Lab was the first facility in Cleveland to have high-speed frame buffers connected to a supercomputer
  • The Lab is also the first facility in Ohio to possess a Computer Automatic Virtual Environment (CAVE)

360° View of the GVIS Lab

Select the image above to see a 360° view of the GVIS lab.

Capabilities

The Lab maintains a large collection of computing, visualization, and user interaction devices including:

  • Virtual reality display devices
    • Oculus Rift, Oculus Go, Oculus S, Oculus Quest
    • HTC ViveOculus virtual reality headset.
    • Room-scale CAVE
  • Augmented reality head mounted displays
    • HoloLens V1 and V2
    • Magic Leap
  • 3D displays
    • zSpace
  • Psuedo 3D displays
    • Pepper’s Ghost display
    • Persistence of Vision (POV) LED displayHololens augmented reality headset.
    • Looking Glass
  • Projection devices for projected AR
  • Natural user interface devices
    • Leap Motion
    • Microsoft Kinect include Azure Kinect
    • Myo armband
  • Cameras for mixed-reality
    • ZED and ZED-Mini
  • Computing hardware
    • High-end gaming laptops
    • High-end tablets and smartphones

All of these devices are available for employees to try and test for possible application to their work.

Using Our Facilities

We support all six of the center’s core competencies and all four of NASA’s general mission directives, as well as the surrounding research community. If you are considering using our data visualization, 3D modeling, or other services, please contact us.

Scientific Computing and Visualization Team

The GVIS Lab is part of the NASA Glenn Scientific Computing and Visualization team. The scientific computing side of the team specializes in technical areas ranging from artificial intelligence, machine learning, data science , mathematical modeling, and web software integration to AR/VR, 3D graphics, and data visualization. The Scientific Computing and Visualization team has successfully worked with a wide variety of customers in the past, including OpenMDAO, Convergent Aeronautics Solutions, Human Research Program, and even VIP events.

Contact Us!

Need to reach us? You can directly send an email to the GVIS Team GRC-DL-GVIS@mail.nasa.gov or the Team Leader, Herb Schilling hschilling@nasa.gov

Like our content? Follow us on social media @nasa_gvis on Twitter and Instagram!

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