Designed in 3D
(version September 16, 2007)
As you know, 3D technology is commonly used in the design of most products that touch your hand, from toothbrushes to dinnerware and cars. This section will focus on notable items which been designed using 3D technologies.
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National Library of Medicine Visible Human Project [07-30-2007]
Asehs Virtual Archaeology [07-24-2007]
Boeing 787 Dreamliner [07-23-2007]
- National Library of Medicine Visible Human Project [07-30-2007]
We made reference to the National Library of Medicine Visible Human Project in a news story a while back. In this feature we focus specifically on the Visible Human Project. The Project has produced scans of the normal male and female human body. Detailed cryosection images from cadavers were used in its preparation. Various Web sites host the data for viewing. The volume of data is huge, and it is available as a simple download in some standard 3D model format, such as .3ds or .cob. 
Typically users download a portion of the dataset free of charge (see: the Visible Human Project: Getting the Data). The discussion of Applications for Viewing Images provides a listing of software which can process the image data. From Wikipedia we note some problems with the data sets:
Problems with the data sets
Freezing caused the brain of the man to be slightly swollen, and his inner ear ossicles were lost during preparation of the slices. Nerves are hard to make out since they have almost the same color as fat, but many have nevertheless been idenfitifed. Small blood vessels were collapsed by the freezing process. Tendons are difficult to cut cleanly, and they occassionally smear across the slice surfaces.
The male has only one testicle, is missing his appendix, and has tissue deterioriation at the site of lethal injection. The reproductive organs of the woman are not representative of those of a young woman. The 
specimen contains several pathologies, including cardiovascular disease and diverticulitis.
But several advances we also made (from Wikipedia):
Discoveries
By studying the data set, researchers at Columbia University found several errors in anatomy textbooks, related to the shape of a muscle in the pelvic region and the location of urinary bladder and prostate.
Regarding the donors (again from Wikipedia):
The donors
The male cadaver is from Joseph Paul Jernigan, a 38-year-old Texas murderer who was executed by lethal injection on August 5, 1993. At the prompting of a prison chaplain he had agreed to donate his body for scientific research or medical use, without knowing about the Visible Human Project. Some people have voiced ethical concerns over this. One of the most notable statements came from the University of Vienna which demanded that the images be withdrawn with reference to the point that the medical profession should have no association with executions, and that the donor's informed consent could be scrutinised.[1]
The female donor, 59-year-old, remains anonymous. In the press she has been described as a Maryland housewife who died from a heart attack and whose husband requested that she be part of the project.
- Asehs Virtual Archaelogy [07-24-2007]
Quoting from the Web site: "Virtual archaelology is the process of researching a building or other artifact and modeling it as 
accurately as possible in a 3D graphics program. It is the process of learning about buildings, architecture and artifacts in the context of different civilisations. Specialising in the reconstruction of virtual objects, archaeological elements and historical buildings, we work using all types of media support. Fixed images, animations, video, interactive DVD, or CD Rom.
Using 3D computer technology allows us:
- The preservation of remnants.
- To study the different chronological stages of a project.
- To understand the different phases in the construction of a site.
- A representation and to evolve following new discoveries.
- To study different hypothetical theories.
- A better conservation of an archaeological site keeping maintenance to a minimum.
- To reduce degradation and destruction resulting from the frequency of visitors and atmospheric conditions.
- To preserve, in the event of re construction, the dilemma between old and new constructions.
- To avoid lengthy administrative authorisations, and the various standards to be met.
- A large variety of elements for use in publication (fixed images, videos, CD-rom, etc...)
- To provide a more accessible and comprehensible vision to the public."
Video Link with sound: http://www.asehs.com/a1_video.html
Plans for the new new Boeing 787 Dreamliner have been underway for some time. The design of this new passenger airliner 
will use 3D technologies from IBM and Dassault Systems (France). BMW Designworks USA is working on the interior design of the craft. One goal of the overall design is improved fuel economy. For us as modelers and animators it is of great interest to know that much of the technology is being designed in 3D software. For an animation of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner try this link on You Tube. A good article on the overall project can be found at this Link.
Are those programs used to design this craft the same ones that are in the 3D Animation Lab? Not exactly, but you will find that the 3D products we have contain the key ideas and concepts which are used in the other software products. Clearly to design something as complex as a new aircraft requires more than our software alone provides. Design engineers must be able to look at the company parts inventories (the nuts and bolts, the 
rivets and fasteners) and be able to reference them directly with full specifications. The overall costs of the project must be fed into financial accounting systems. Realworld design means incorporating aerodynamics (called in general Physics in our applications) and forces acting on takeoff and landing. Rules about the braking systems must be known in the design. While our softwar in the Lab does not have these features, the major, key conepts are there. And this is where engineers and desingers start: at the basic level, and then add to those product technologies with specific tie-ins to inventory and safety requirements. But for publicity purposes the model at the right done in Google Sketchup has everything that is needed.
