Current Search: Simulation (x)
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- Title
- Simulating Human Pleura Performance in Medical Training Using Measured Tissue Mechanical Properties.
- Creator
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Norfleet, Jack, Bai, Yuanli, Kassab, Alain, Metcalf, David, Cendan, Juan, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Medical simulations provide hands-on training at various levels of medical expertise. Yet these simulators fail to accurately mimic the look, feel and behavior of human tissue. Applying measured mechanical properties from human cadaver tissues promises to improve the fidelity of simulated tissue behaviors when subjected to medical procedures. Samples of human parietal pleura were tested under uniaxial tension to failure and measured characteristics were replicated in synthetic pleura. Context...
Show moreMedical simulations provide hands-on training at various levels of medical expertise. Yet these simulators fail to accurately mimic the look, feel and behavior of human tissue. Applying measured mechanical properties from human cadaver tissues promises to improve the fidelity of simulated tissue behaviors when subjected to medical procedures. Samples of human parietal pleura were tested under uniaxial tension to failure and measured characteristics were replicated in synthetic pleura. Context specific parameters were then collected and compared between human pleura and the new synthetics. These comparisons tested the hypothesis; H1 Gaps exist between synthetic and human pleura performance, H2: Human tissue fracture mechanics define desired performance of synthetic tissues, H3: Synthetic and human tissues with similar stress/strain parameters will behave similarly when blunt punctured. The results promote the future development of high fidelity tissue simulants for medical training.The studied tissue is parietal pleura which contributes the critical haptic (")pop(") indicating access to the proper anatomic space during the tube thoracostomy procedure. Once accessed through blunt puncture, tube is then inserted to drain air and fluid from around the lungs.Stress/strain based hyper-elastic and fracture properties calibrated from fresh human cadaver pleura were used to define performance requirements. Synthetic pleura were then prototyped and their mechanical properties were characterized. Commercial pleura simulants were puncture tested and compared to compliant custom and off-the-shelf formulations. A non-compliant but commonly used pleura substitute was also tested. Blunt puncture force and displacement were compared for each of the materials to test the stated hypotheses.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2018
- Identifier
- CFE0007065, ucf:52023
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007065
- Title
- ADAPTIVE FEEDBACK IN SIMULATION-BASED TRAINING.
- Creator
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Billings, Deborah, Gilson, Richard, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Feedback is essential to guide performance in simulation-based training (SBT) and to refine learning. Generally outcomes improve when feedback is delivered with personalized tutoring that tailors specific guidance and adapts feedback to the learner in a one-to-on environment. Therefore, emulating by automation these adaptive aspects of human tutors in SBT systems should be an effective way to train individuals. This study investigates the efficacy of automating different types of feedback in...
Show moreFeedback is essential to guide performance in simulation-based training (SBT) and to refine learning. Generally outcomes improve when feedback is delivered with personalized tutoring that tailors specific guidance and adapts feedback to the learner in a one-to-on environment. Therefore, emulating by automation these adaptive aspects of human tutors in SBT systems should be an effective way to train individuals. This study investigates the efficacy of automating different types of feedback in a SBT system. These include adaptive bottom-up feedback (i.e., detailed feedback, changing to general as proficiency develops) and adaptive top-down feedback (i.e., general feedback, changing to detailed if performance fails to improve). Other types of non-adaptive feedback were included for performance comparisons as well as to examine the overall cognitive load. To test hypotheses, 130 participants were randomly assigned to five conditions. Two feedback conditions employed adaptive approaches (bottom-up and top-down), two used non-adaptive approaches (constant detailed and constant general), and one functioned as a control group (i.e., only a performance score was given). After preliminary training on the simulator system, participants completed four simulated search and rescue missions (three training missions and one transfer mission). After each training mission, all participants received feedback relative to the condition they were assigned. Overall performance on missions, knowledge post-test scores, and subjective cognitive load were measured and analyzed to determine the effectiveness of the type of feedback. Results indicate that: (1) feedback generally improves performance, confirming prior research; (2) performance for the two adaptive approaches (bottom-up vs. top-down did not differ significantly at the end of training, but the bottom-up group achieved higher performance levels significantly sooner; (3) performance for the bottom-up and constant detailed groups did not differ significantly, although the trend suggests that adaptive bottom-up feedback may yield significant results in further studies. Overall, these results have implications for the implementation of feedback in SBT and beyond for other computer-based training systems.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2010
- Identifier
- CFE0003225, ucf:48555
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003225
- Title
- TOWARD A REAL-TIME CELESTIAL BODY INFORMATION SYSTEM.
- Creator
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Guise, Brian, Proctor, Michael, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration maintains a challenging schedule of planned and on-going space exploration missions that extend to the outer reaches of our galaxy. New missions represent a huge investment, in terms of actual costs for equipment and support infrastructure, and personnel training. The success of a mission is critical considering both the monetary investment, and for manned missions, the lives which are put at risk. Tragedies involving Challenger, Columbia,...
Show moreThe National Aeronautics and Space Administration maintains a challenging schedule of planned and on-going space exploration missions that extend to the outer reaches of our galaxy. New missions represent a huge investment, in terms of actual costs for equipment and support infrastructure, and personnel training. The success of a mission is critical considering both the monetary investment, and for manned missions, the lives which are put at risk. Tragedies involving Challenger, Columbia, Apollo 7, and the near tragedy of Apollo 13 exemplify that space exploration is a dangerous endeavor, posing extreme environmental conditions on both equipment and personnel. NASA, the National Science Foundation' and numerous independent researchers indicate that predictive simulations have the potential to decrease risk and increase efficiency and effectiveness in space exploration activity. Simulations provide the capability to conduct planning and rehearsal of missions, allowing risk reducing designs and techniques to be discovered and tested. Real-time simulations may improve the quality of the response in a real-time crisis situation. The US Army developed Layered Terrain Format (LTF) database is a uniquely architected database approach that provides high fidelity representation of terrain and specialized terrain query functions that are optimized to support real-time simulations. This dissertation investigates the question; can the unique LTF database architecture be applied to the general problem of celestial body representation? And if so, what benefits might it bring for mission planners and personnel executing the mission? Due to data limitations, this research investigates these questions through a lunar analog setting involving S band and Earth-bound communication signals as might be needed to conduct manned and/or robotic mission on the moon. The target terrain data set includes portions of the Black Point Lava Flow in Arizona which will be used for NASA's 2010 Desert RATS analog studies. Applied Research Associates Inc, the developer of the LTF product, generated Black Point databases and made limited modifications to the LTF Viewer tool, RAVEN, which is used for visualization of the database. Through the results attained during this research it is concluded that LTF product does provide a useful simulation capability which could be used by mission personnel both in pre-mission planning and during mission execution. Additionally, LTF is shown to have application an information system, allowing geo-specific data of interest to the mission to be implemented within its layers. The Florida Space Research & Education Grant Program sponsored by FSGC, Space Florida and UCF provided a grant of $31,500 to perform this research.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2010
- Identifier
- CFE0003403, ucf:48424
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003403
- Title
- Model-Based Systems Engineering Approach to Distributed and Hybrid Simulation Systems.
- Creator
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Pastrana, John, Rabelo, Luis, Lee, Gene, Elshennawy, Ahmad, Kincaid, John, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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INCOSE defines Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) as (")the formalized application of modeling to support system requirements, design, analysis, verification, and validation activities beginning in the conceptual design phase and continuing throughout development and later life cycle phases.(") One very important development is the utilization of MBSE to develop distributed and hybrid (discrete-continuous) simulation modeling systems. MBSE can help to describe the systems to be modeled...
Show moreINCOSE defines Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) as (")the formalized application of modeling to support system requirements, design, analysis, verification, and validation activities beginning in the conceptual design phase and continuing throughout development and later life cycle phases.(") One very important development is the utilization of MBSE to develop distributed and hybrid (discrete-continuous) simulation modeling systems. MBSE can help to describe the systems to be modeled and help make the right decisions and partitions to tame complexity. The ability to embrace conceptual modeling and interoperability techniques during systems specification and design presents a great advantage in distributed and hybrid simulation systems development efforts. Our research is aimed at the definition of a methodological framework that uses MBSE languages, methods and tools for the development of these simulation systems. A model-based composition approach is defined at the initial steps to identify distributed systems interoperability requirements and hybrid simulation systems characteristics. Guidelines are developed to adopt simulation interoperability standards and conceptual modeling techniques using MBSE methods and tools. Domain specific system complexity and behavior can be captured with model-based approaches during the system architecture and functional design requirements definition. MBSE can allow simulation engineers to formally model different aspects of a problem ranging from architectures to corresponding behavioral analysis, to functional decompositions and user requirements (Jobe, 2008).
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- Identifier
- CFE0005395, ucf:50464
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005395
- Title
- A Dynamic Enrollment Simulation Model for Planning and Decision-Making in a University.
- Creator
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Robledo, Luis, Sepulveda, Jose, Kincaid, John, Armacost, Robert, Archer, Sandra, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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Decision support systems for university management have had limited improvement in the incorporation of new cutting-edge techniques. Most decision-makers use traditional forecasting methods to base their decisions in order to maintain financially affordable programs and keep universities competitive for the last few decades. Strategic planning for universities has always been related to enrollment revenues, and operational expenses. Enrollment models in use today are able to represent...
Show moreDecision support systems for university management have had limited improvement in the incorporation of new cutting-edge techniques. Most decision-makers use traditional forecasting methods to base their decisions in order to maintain financially affordable programs and keep universities competitive for the last few decades. Strategic planning for universities has always been related to enrollment revenues, and operational expenses. Enrollment models in use today are able to represent forecasting based on historical data, considering usual variables like student headcount, student credit, among others. No consideration is given to students' preferences. Retention models, associated to enrollment, deal with average retention times leaving off preferences as well.Preferences play a major role at institutions where students are not required to declare their intentions (major) immediately. Even if they do, they may change it if they find another, more attractive major, or they may even decide to leave college for external reasons.Enrollment models have been identified to deal with three main purposes: prediction of income from tuition (in-state, out-of-state), planning of future courses and curriculum, and allocation of resources to academic departments, This general perspective does not provide useful information to faculty and Departments for detailed planning and allocation of resources for the next term or year. There is a need of new metrics to help faculty and Departments to reach a detailed and useful level in order to effectively plan this allocation of resources. The dynamics in the rate-of-growth, the preferences students have for certain majors at a specific point of time, or economic hardship make a difference when decisions have to be made for budgets requests, hiring of faculty, classroom assignment, parking, transportation, or even building new facilities. Existing models do not make difference between these variables.This simulation model is a hybrid model that considers the use of System Dynamics, Discrete-event and Agent-based simulation, which allows the representation of the general enrollment process at the University level (strategic decisions), and enrollment, retention and major selection at the College (tactical decisions) and Department level (operational decisions). This approach allows lower level to more accurately predict the number of students retained for next term or year, while allowing upper levels to decide on new students to admit (first time in college and transfers) and results in recommendations on faculty hiring, class or labs assignment, and resource allocation.This model merges both high and low levels of student's enrollment models into one application, allowing not only representation of the current overall enrollment, but also prediction at the College and Department level. This provides information on optimal classroom assignments, faculty and student resource allocation.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2013
- Identifier
- CFE0005055, ucf:49970
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005055
- Title
- A Framework for Safety Training Using Virtual Reality Software.
- Creator
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Riad, Rana, Rabelo, Luis, Lee, Gene, Ferreras, Ana, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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Safety training is a vital component to the well-being of individuals in all industries. With technology advancing at the current pace, conventional training methods are no longer the most effective way to communicate information. There is a strong need for safety training that incorporates new methods and forms of communication to obtain higher levels of comprehension. Virtual reality systems offer a highly customizable and interactive form of delivering information to users. This research...
Show moreSafety training is a vital component to the well-being of individuals in all industries. With technology advancing at the current pace, conventional training methods are no longer the most effective way to communicate information. There is a strong need for safety training that incorporates new methods and forms of communication to obtain higher levels of comprehension. Virtual reality systems offer a highly customizable and interactive form of delivering information to users. This research addresses major gaps in the field of safety training using virtual reality systems and provides a design framework for creating a virtual safety-training system. A model for the virtual environment is designed and developed and the process and justification is described. The environment and an applied use case for this model is developed and verified using a sample of trainees that would use the model. This exploratory framework provides a significant contribution to the field of safety education through virtual reality systems and can be expanded with further research.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2015
- Identifier
- CFE0005698, ucf:50152
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005698
- Title
- CELL PHONE DISTRACTION: ANALYSIS OF MOTOR RESPONSE IN A SIMULATED DRIVING ENVIRONMENT.
- Creator
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Ravishankar, Anusha, Kincaid, Dr.J.Peter, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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Does the use of a cell phone while driving influence the driver's ability to execute a proper turn?Is there difference between genders pertaining to motor skill while driving in a simulated driving environment? To find the answers to these questions, three groups of ten participants (5 women and 5 men)each were tested using a scripted test scenario focusing on left and right turns. The participantswere made to drive through a test scenario to get used to the driving simulator. The scenario...
Show moreDoes the use of a cell phone while driving influence the driver's ability to execute a proper turn?Is there difference between genders pertaining to motor skill while driving in a simulated driving environment? To find the answers to these questions, three groups of ten participants (5 women and 5 men)each were tested using a scripted test scenario focusing on left and right turns. The participantswere made to drive through a test scenario to get used to the driving simulator. The scenario for the experimental group was an inner-city training scenario with the presence of vehicular trafficand the main focus area was on six critical turns (3 left and 3 rights). The apparatus used for this study was the "Patrol Simulator" built by GE Driver Development. A 2 (Gender) x 3 (Cell phone condition) between subjects design was used to assess the differences in mean driving performance between gender (male and female) at 3 cell phone conditions (No Phone, Phone No Conversation, Phone with Conversation). The study verified that cell phone use while driving would adversely affects a driver's ability to perform turns, and showed that gender plays a role in this effect. However, it did confirm that gender does not play any role in a person's overall ability to drive.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2004
- Identifier
- CFE0000084, ucf:46149
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000084
- Title
- SAFETY AND OPERATIONAL EVALUATION OF DYNAMIC LANE MERGING IN WORK ZONES.
- Creator
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Harb, Rami, Radwan, Essam, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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Traffic safety and mobility of roadway work zones have been considered to be one of the major concerns in highway traffic safety and operations in Florida. In intent to expose Florida's work zones crash characteristics, the Florida Traffic Crash Records Database for years 2002, 2003 and 2004 were explored. Statistical models were estimated and Florida's work zone crash traits for single vehicle crashes and two-vehicle crashes were drawn. For the single-vehicle crashes, trucks were...
Show moreTraffic safety and mobility of roadway work zones have been considered to be one of the major concerns in highway traffic safety and operations in Florida. In intent to expose Florida's work zones crash characteristics, the Florida Traffic Crash Records Database for years 2002, 2003 and 2004 were explored. Statistical models were estimated and Florida's work zone crash traits for single vehicle crashes and two-vehicle crashes were drawn. For the single-vehicle crashes, trucks were found more likely to be involved in single vehicle crashes in freeway work zones compared to freeways without work zones. Straight level roadways are significantly affected by the presence of work zones. The lighting condition is also one of the risk factors associated with work zone single-vehicle crashes. In fact, at work areas with poor or no lighting during dark conditions, motor vehicles are more prone for crashes compared to non-work zone locations with poor or no lighting during dark. The weather condition is positively associated with single-vehicle work zone crashes. Results showed that during rainy weather, drivers are less likely to be involved in work zone crashes compared to the same weather conditions in non-work zone locations. This fact may be due to the vigilant driving pattern during rain at work zones. For the two-vehicle work zone crashes, results showed that drivers younger than 25 years of age and drivers older than 75 years old have the highest risk to be the at-fault driver in a work zone crash. Male drivers have significantly higher risk than female drivers to be the at-fault driver. The model conspicuously shows that drivers under the influence of narcotics/alcohol are more likely to cause crashes (i.e. at-fault driver) at work zones. Road geometry and the lighting condition were significant risk factors associated with two-vehicle work zone crashes. Freeways straight segments are more susceptible to crashes in work zone areas. Poor lighting or no lighting at all during dark can lead to significantly higher crash hazard at work zones. Foggy weather causes a significant mount in work zone crash risk compared to non-work zone locations. In addition to that, work zones located in rural areas have higher crash potential than work zones located in urban areas. After examining the current Florida work zone Maintenance of Traffic (MOT) plans, known as the Motorist Awareness System (MAS), it was realized that this system is static hence does not react to changing traffic conditions. An ITS-based dynamic lane management system, known as dynamic lane merging system, was explored to supplement the existing MAS plans. Two forms of dynamic lane management were recognized as dynamic lane merging namely the early merge and the late merge. These two systems were designed to advise drivers on definite merging locations. Previously deployed dynamic lane merging systems comprise several Portable Changeable Message Signs (PCMS) and traffic sensors. The addition of multiple PCMSs to the current MAS plans may encumber the latter and usually requires relatively extensive equipment installation and relocation which could be inefficient for short term movable work zones. Therefore, two Simplified Dynamic Lane Merging Systems (SDLMS) were designed, deployed, and tested on Florida's short term movables work zones. The first SDLMS was a simplified dynamic early merge system (early SDLMS) and the second SDLMS was a simplified dynamic late merge system (late SDLMS). Both SDLMS consisted of supplementing the MAS plans used in Florida work zones with an ITS-based lane management system. From the two-to-one work zone configuration (first site), it was noted that the ratio of the work zone throughput at the onset of congestion over the demand volume was significantly the highest for the early SDLMS compared to the MAS and late SDLMS. Travel time through the work was the lowest for the early SDLMS, followed by the late SDLMS, and then MAS. However, the differences in mean travel times were not statistically significant. It was also concluded that the early SDLMS resulted in higher early merging compared to the MAS and that the late SDLMS in higher late merging compared to the MAS. The first site was used as a pilot for testing the system since data collection was limited to two days for each MOT type. Hence, operational measures of effectiveness (MOEs) could not be evaluated under different demand volumes. It should also be noted that the RTMS was not available during the MAS data collection which disabled us from collecting speed data. From the three-to-two work zone configuration site, data was collected extensively relative to the first site. The RTMS was available for all three MOT types tested which enabled the collection of the speed data that are used as a safety surrogate measure. The mean speed fluctuation in the closed lane was the highest under the MAS system for all demand volumes and in all three lanes. Comparing the dynamic early merge and the dynamic late merge mean speed fluctuations in the closed lane and the middle lane, results showed that the mean speed fluctuation for the early merge are lower than those of the late merge under all demand volumes. However, the difference in the mean speed fluctuation is only statistically significant under demand volume ranging between 1 and 500 veh/hr. As for the shoulder lane, it was noted that the speed mean speed fluctuation is significantly the lowest for demand volumes ranging between 1500 veh/hr and 2000 veh/hr under the late SDLMS compared to the early SDLMS and the MAS. The ratio of the throughput over demand volume was taken as the operational MOE. Results showed that the Dynamic early merge performs significantly better than the regular MAS under demand volume ranging between 500 veh/hr and 2000 veh/hr. Results also showed that the dynamic late merge perform better than the MAS under volumes ranging between 1500 veh/hr and 2000 veh/hr and significantly poorer than the MAS under low volumes. Therefore, the late SDLMS is not recommended for implementation under low volumes. Results also showed that the late SDLMS performs better than the early SDLMS under higher volume (ranging between 1500 veh/hr to 2000 veh/hr). A simulated work zone with a two-to-one lane closure configuration was coded in VISSIM and operational and safety MOEs under MAS, early SDLMS, and late SDLMS were compared under different drivers' adherence rate to the merging instructions, truck percentage in the traffic composition, and traffic demand volumes. Results indicated that throughputs are higher in general under the early SDLMS, travel times are lower under the early SDLMS. However, overall, the early SDLMS resulted in the highest speed variance among MOT types. The MAS resulted in the lowest speed variances overall
Show less - Date Issued
- 2009
- Identifier
- CFE0002741, ucf:48159
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002741
- Title
- GAME ASSESSMENT FOR MILTARY APPLICATION.
- Creator
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McNeese, Patricia, Boote, David, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The primary purpose of conducting this research was to establish game assessment guidelines and characteristics for integrating elected characteristics of games into ongoing instructional approaches. The cost of repurposing commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) games could offer a considerably lower cost alternative than the cost of creating a new instructional game developed for a specific instructional goal. The McNeese Game Assessment Tool (MGAT), created for the assessment of games in this...
Show moreThe primary purpose of conducting this research was to establish game assessment guidelines and characteristics for integrating elected characteristics of games into ongoing instructional approaches. The cost of repurposing commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) games could offer a considerably lower cost alternative than the cost of creating a new instructional game developed for a specific instructional goal. The McNeese Game Assessment Tool (MGAT), created for the assessment of games in this usability study, is currently in a beta stage and was found to have potential for future game assessment. The overall assessment indicated that the tool was effective in analyzing game products for reuse potential and that the five instruments that make up the tool did meet the purpose of the design. However, the study also indicated that the instruments needed recommended modifications and further testing with a larger population group before the tool could be utilized. The assessment process identified in this study was a step forward in the area of game and simulation integration research. This study indicated that more research is needed in the area of instructional design to enhance instructional integration goals for future game, simulation and training applications.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2009
- Identifier
- CFE0002602, ucf:48257
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002602
- Title
- CHARACTERIZATION AND MODELING OF A HIGH POWER THIN DISK LASER.
- Creator
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Rodriguez-Valls, Omar, Richardson, Martin, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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High power lasers have been adapted to material processing, energy, military and medical applications. In the Laser Plasma Laboratory at CREOL, UCF, high power lasers are used to produce highly ionized plasmas to generate EUV emission. This thesis examines the quality of a recently acquired high power thin disk laser through thermal modeling and beam parameter measurements. High power lasers suffer from thermally induced issues which degrade their operation. Thin disk lasers use an innovative...
Show moreHigh power lasers have been adapted to material processing, energy, military and medical applications. In the Laser Plasma Laboratory at CREOL, UCF, high power lasers are used to produce highly ionized plasmas to generate EUV emission. This thesis examines the quality of a recently acquired high power thin disk laser through thermal modeling and beam parameter measurements. High power lasers suffer from thermally induced issues which degrade their operation. Thin disk lasers use an innovative heat extraction mechanism that eliminates the transverse thermal gradient within the gain medium associated with thermal lensing. A thorough review of current thin disk laser technology is described. Several measurement techniques were performed on a high power thin disk laser. The system efficiencies, spectrum, and temporal characteristics were examined. The laser was characterized in the far-field regime to determine the beam quality and intensity of the laser. Laser cavity simulations of the thin disk laser were performed using LASCAD. The induced thermal and stress effects are demonstrated. Simulated output power and efficiency is compared to those that have been quantified experimentally.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2010
- Identifier
- CFE0003216, ucf:48578
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003216
- Title
- Digital Architecture for a Computer Based Imaging System.
- Creator
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McIntosh, John O., Petrasko, Brian, Engineering
- Abstract / Description
-
University of Central Florida College of Engineering Thesis; There is a great need for a graphic simulation system used as a training device to take the place of actual flying. A good system will greatly reduce the cost of training men as well as cut down on casualties. Several systems have been tried and are now in use. Among them are two that are worthy of more study. These are the CCTV or model board and the digital systems. Both have several disadvantages that create a need for a new...
Show moreUniversity of Central Florida College of Engineering Thesis; There is a great need for a graphic simulation system used as a training device to take the place of actual flying. A good system will greatly reduce the cost of training men as well as cut down on casualties. Several systems have been tried and are now in use. Among them are two that are worthy of more study. These are the CCTV or model board and the digital systems. Both have several disadvantages that create a need for a new system. One such system is an optically based digitally processes system that combines the best features of two previous systems. This system uses charge-coupled-device memories that are digitally accessed by a microcomputer based system. The information from the CCD's is then processed and calculations are performed on it to transform it into a form that can be displayed on a cockpit-like screen. The system also allows for interaction between the pilot and itself.
Show less - Date Issued
- 1979
- Identifier
- CFR0008131, ucf:52966
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFR0008131
- Title
- Simulation study of guest procedures in a resort hotel complex.
- Creator
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Barraclough, Bradley, null, null, Engineering
- Abstract / Description
-
Florida Technological University College of Engineering Thesis; At this time there is an increasing emphasis in Florida on developing large, multipurpose complexes which include shopping, entertainment, and accommodations for tourists. In all cases a major design problem is people transportation. For best efficiency the primary mode of transportation, the car, must be exchanged for other people movers within the complex, which will afford more security, flexibility, and better movement of...
Show moreFlorida Technological University College of Engineering Thesis; At this time there is an increasing emphasis in Florida on developing large, multipurpose complexes which include shopping, entertainment, and accommodations for tourists. In all cases a major design problem is people transportation. For best efficiency the primary mode of transportation, the car, must be exchanged for other people movers within the complex, which will afford more security, flexibility, and better movement of people to their ultimate destination. Economically speaking, this would not only conserve fuel, but would allow consolidation of automobile parking into a less desirable area and the grouping of facilities for more shopping and recreation convenience.
Show less - Date Issued
- 1974
- Identifier
- CFR0003468, ucf:53029
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFR0003468
- Title
- The Effect of Videogame Play on Robotic Surgery Skill Acquisition.
- Creator
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Tanaka, Alyssa, Hughes, Charles, Kincaid, John, Cendan, Juan, Smith, Roger, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Robotic surgery uses innovative technology to transcend a surgeon's skills when performing complex procedures. Currently, the only FDA approved robotic system is Intuitive's da Vinci Surgical System. While this system offers many advantages over other minimally invasive techniques, it also introduces a need for specialized training. Virtual reality simulators have emerged as valuable tools for standardized and objective robotic surgery skill training and assessments. In recent years, the idea...
Show moreRobotic surgery uses innovative technology to transcend a surgeon's skills when performing complex procedures. Currently, the only FDA approved robotic system is Intuitive's da Vinci Surgical System. While this system offers many advantages over other minimally invasive techniques, it also introduces a need for specialized training. Virtual reality simulators have emerged as valuable tools for standardized and objective robotic surgery skill training and assessments. In recent years, the idea of using video game technology in surgical education for laparoscopy has also been explored; however few have attempted to make a connection between video game experience and robotic surgical skills. Thus, the current study aims to examine the performance of video gamers in a virtual reality robotic surgery simulator. Furthermore, the video gamers' performance was compared to that of medical students, expert robotic surgeons, and (")laypeople.(") The purpose of this study is to examine the hypothesis that video gamers acquire perceptual and psychomotor skills through video game play, similar to those used by robotic surgeons.Subjects completed a demographic questionnaire and performed three computer-based perceptual tests: a Flanker compatibility task, a subsidizing task, and a Multiple Object Tracking test. Participants then performed two warm-up exercises on the Mimic dV-Trainer to familiarize themselves with the system and eight trials of two core exercises to test their skills. After completing all trials, participants completed a post-questionnaire regarding their experience with the system.Expert video gamers (n=40), medical students (n=24), laypeople (n=42) and expert robotic surgeons (n=16) were recruited. Medical students and gamers were significantly faster than experts in the Flanker Task. The experts were significantly slower than the all other groups in the subsidizing task. Experts scored significantly higher, were significantly more efficient, and were significantly faster than laypeople, medical students, and gamers in the first trial of Ring (&) Rail 1 and Suture Sponge. In trial eight of Ring (&) Rail 1, experts scored significantly higher and were more efficient than laypeople. Experts were also significantly faster than all other groups. Experts scored significantly higher than laypeople and gamers in trial Suture Sponge. Experts were significantly more efficient and significantly faster than all other groups. Contrary to prior literature in laparoscopy, this study was unable to validate enhanced abilities of video gamers in a robotic surgery simulator. This study does further demonstrate that the transfer of skills developed through video game play is relevant to the surgical technique. This may be due to the differences of the systems and how the users interact within them. In a society where video games have become an integral past time, it is important to determine the role that video games play in the perceptual and psychomotor development of users. These findings can be generalized to domains outside of medicine that utilize robotic and computer-controlled systems, speaking to the scope of the gamers' abilities and pointing to the capacity within these systems.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2015
- Identifier
- CFE0006010, ucf:51002
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006010
- Title
- Design of a Framework to Measure the Degree of Live Virtual Constructive (LVC) Simulation Interoperability.
- Creator
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Kim, Kiyoul, Lee, Gene, Rabelo, Luis, Elshennawy, Ahmad, Kincaid, John, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Accomplishment of the Live, Virtual and Constructive simulation interoperability has been a major goal and a challenge in the Modeling and Simulation (M(&)S) community. There have been efforts to interoperate individual Live, Virtual and Constructive simulations within a common synthetic environment through suitable technologies such as interface specifications, protocols, and standard middleware architectures. However, achieving interoperability of LVC simulation is a technologically complex...
Show moreAccomplishment of the Live, Virtual and Constructive simulation interoperability has been a major goal and a challenge in the Modeling and Simulation (M(&)S) community. There have been efforts to interoperate individual Live, Virtual and Constructive simulations within a common synthetic environment through suitable technologies such as interface specifications, protocols, and standard middleware architectures. However, achieving interoperability of LVC simulation is a technologically complex since it is affected by multiple factors, and the characteristics are not yet satisfactorily defined and studied. A proper method is absent to measure the potential interoperability degree of LVC simulation. Therefore, there should be an appropriate systematic approach to measure the potential LVC simulation interoperability which includes technical, conceptual and organizational domains. This research aims to design a preliminary systematic approach to measure the potential interoperability degree of an individual Live, Virtual and Constructive simulation and a relevant organization which plans to use the simulation system for simulation interoperability. Specifically, a framework that contains components such as a) LVC simulation interoperability domains, b) interoperability domain factors, c) interoperability maturity levels, d) interoperability determination method is proposed. To accomplish the goal, a set of factors that determine the interoperability degree in LVC simulation environment are identified, and the factors are used to build the key elements of the framework. The proposed methodology for the framework design is based on systematic literature reviews and a survey involving a number of relevant domain experts. A case study is demonstrated to prove the validity and effectiveness of the developed framework. The case study illustrates how the interoperability levels of a simulation system and a relevant organization are effectively measured. This research potentially contributes by providing an understanding of the factors that determine the interoperability degree of LVC simulation, improvement of the LVC simulation interoperability measurement process, and consequently, accomplishment of more effective LVC simulation interoperability.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2015
- Identifier
- CFE0005818, ucf:50032
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005818
- Title
- AN INTEGRATED HYDROLOGY/HYDRAULIC AND WATER QUALITY MODEL FOR WATERSHED-SCALE SIMULATIONS.
- Creator
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Wang, Cheng, Yeh, Gour-Tsyh, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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This dissertation presents the design of an integrated watershed model, WASH123D version 3.0, a first principle, physics-based watershed-scale model of integrated hydrology/hydraulics and water quality transport. This numerical model is comprised of three modules: (1) a one-dimensional (1-D) simulation module that is capable of simulating separated and coupled fluid flow, sediment transport and reaction-based water quality transport in river/stream/canal networks and through control...
Show moreThis dissertation presents the design of an integrated watershed model, WASH123D version 3.0, a first principle, physics-based watershed-scale model of integrated hydrology/hydraulics and water quality transport. This numerical model is comprised of three modules: (1) a one-dimensional (1-D) simulation module that is capable of simulating separated and coupled fluid flow, sediment transport and reaction-based water quality transport in river/stream/canal networks and through control structures; (2) a two-dimensional (2-D) simulation module, capable of simulating separated and coupled fluid flow, sediment transport, and reactive biogeochemical transport and transformation in two-dimensional overland flow systems; and (3) a three-dimensional (3-D) simulation module, capable of simulating separated and coupled fluid flow and reactive geochemical transport and transformation in three-dimensional variably saturated subsurface systems. The Saint Venant equation and its simplified versions, diffusion wave and kinematic wave forms, are employed for surface fluid flow simulations and the modified Richards equation is applied for subsurface flow simulation. The reaction-based advection-dispersion equation is used as the governing equation for water quality transport. Several physically and mathematically based numerical options are provided to solve these governing equations for different application purposes. The surface-subsurface water interactions are considered in the flow module and simulated on the basis of continuity of interface. In the transport simulations, fast/equilibrium reactions are decoupled from slow/kinetic reactions by the decomposition of reaction networks; this enables robust numerical integrations of the governing equation. Kinetic variables are adopted as primary dependent variables rather than biogeochemical species to reduce the number of transport equations and simplify the reaction terms. In each time step, hydrologic/hydraulic variables are solved in the flow module; kinetic variables are then solved in the transport module. This is followed by solving the reactive chemical system node by node to yield concentrations of all species. Application examples are presented to demonstrate the design capability of the model. This model may be of interest to environmental scientists, engineers and decision makers as a comprehensive assessment tool to reliably predict the fluid flow as well as sediment and contaminant transport on watershed scales so as to evaluate the efficacy and impact of alternative watershed management and remediation techniques prior to incurring expense in the field.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2009
- Identifier
- CFE0002947, ucf:47955
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002947
- Title
- AUTONOMOUS ENVIRONMENTAL MAPPING IN MULTI-AGENT UAV SYSTEMS.
- Creator
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Luotsinen, Linus Jan, Boloni, Ladislau L., University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
UAV units are by many researchers and aviation specialists considered the future and cutting edge of modern flight technology. This thesis discusses methods for efficient autonomous environmental mapping in a multi-agent domain. An algorithm that emphasizes on team work by sharing the agents local map information and exploration intentions is presented as a solution to the mapping problem. General theories on how to model and implement rational autonomous behaviour for UAV agents are...
Show moreUAV units are by many researchers and aviation specialists considered the future and cutting edge of modern flight technology. This thesis discusses methods for efficient autonomous environmental mapping in a multi-agent domain. An algorithm that emphasizes on team work by sharing the agents local map information and exploration intentions is presented as a solution to the mapping problem. General theories on how to model and implement rational autonomous behaviour for UAV agents are presented. Three different human and tactical behaviour modeling techniques are evaluated. The author found the CxBR paradigm to be the most interesting approach. Also, in order to test and quantify the theories presented in this thesis a simulation environment was developed. This simulation software allows for UAV agents to operate in a visual 3-D environment with mountains, other various terrain types, danger points and enemies to model unexpected events.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2004
- Identifier
- CFE0000051, ucf:46111
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000051
- Title
- NASCAR RESTRICTOR PLATE EXHAUST MANIFOLD DESIGN STRATEGIES.
- Creator
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Dollhopf, Matthew John, Hoekstra, Robert, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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This paper presents the results of a study on exhaust manifold design for a NASCAR Restrictor plate internal combustion engine. A computer simulation model was developed using Ricardo WAVE software. WAVE is a computer-aided engineering code developed by Ricardo to analyze the dynamics of pressure waves, mass flows and energy losses in ducts, plenums and the intake and exhaust manifolds of various systems and machines. The model was validated against experimental data from a current NASCAR...
Show moreThis paper presents the results of a study on exhaust manifold design for a NASCAR Restrictor plate internal combustion engine. A computer simulation model was developed using Ricardo WAVE software. WAVE is a computer-aided engineering code developed by Ricardo to analyze the dynamics of pressure waves, mass flows and energy losses in ducts, plenums and the intake and exhaust manifolds of various systems and machines. The model was validated against experimental data from a current NASCAR Winston Cup restrictor plate motor. The parameters studied have been exhaust manifold diameters and lengths. A response surface analysis of the simulation output followed.The analysis of results shows the design parameters of the existing exhaust manifold are not optimized. The findings from these studies are used to derive exhaust system design guidelines which define optimum exhaust system geometry to maximize average Brake Horsepower over a given powerband for a restrictor plate NASCAR engine.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2004
- Identifier
- CFE0000082, ucf:46087
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000082
- Title
- THE EFFECT OF IN-VEHICLE WARNING SYSTEMS ON DRIVERRESPONSE IN WORK ZONES.
- Creator
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Whitmire II, James, Kincaid, Peter, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
This research investigated the effectiveness of in-vehicle information technologies on driver behavior in work zones. In-vehicle information devices can increase driver awareness to an oncoming change in traffic flow and provide specific guidelines for driving speed requirements, lane merging strategies, or unexpected changes in the roadway (e.g., detours and lane shifts). The overall conditional effects for vehicle speed are significant; that is, both the audio and visual groups out...
Show moreThis research investigated the effectiveness of in-vehicle information technologies on driver behavior in work zones. In-vehicle information devices can increase driver awareness to an oncoming change in traffic flow and provide specific guidelines for driving speed requirements, lane merging strategies, or unexpected changes in the roadway (e.g., detours and lane shifts). The overall conditional effects for vehicle speed are significant; that is, both the audio and visual groups out performed the control group within the simulated work zone. Participants in audio group did outperform the visual group, not significantly though. The overall conditional effects for total time in violation are significant; that is, both the audio and visual groups out performed the control group. The test session results for Total Time in Violation were statistically significant, F(2, 57) = 7.17, p < .01. The strength of relationship between the warning messages and the Total Time in Violation with regular road signage, as assessed by η2 , was strong, the warning message factor accounting for 20% of the variance of the dependent variable.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2007
- Identifier
- CFE0001589, ucf:47112
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0001589
- Title
- WEB-BASED CIRCUIT DESIGN SIMULATION PACKAGE FOR SOLVING ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING CIRCUITS.
- Creator
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Harb, Shadi, Batarseh, Issa, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
A Web-based circuit design package has been improved and evaluated to provide students with an enhanced and innovative teaching tools package for the electrical circuit design course. The project objectives can be summarized as follows: 1) developing enhanced problem solving skills using a Web-based environment, 2) developing the design skills and sharpening the critical thinking process, 3) developing a generic and comprehensive teaching/learning circuit package as an extention to the...
Show moreA Web-based circuit design package has been improved and evaluated to provide students with an enhanced and innovative teaching tools package for the electrical circuit design course. The project objectives can be summarized as follows: 1) developing enhanced problem solving skills using a Web-based environment, 2) developing the design skills and sharpening the critical thinking process, 3) developing a generic and comprehensive teaching/learning circuit package as an extention to the Electrical Engineering virtual lab environment, which gives students the capability to practice and experience all the circuit design skills with minimum cost and effort. The project provides the students with an enhanced and powerful graphical computer aided design (CAD) tool by which students can carry out an online simulation of AC and DC designs with the capability to plot simulation results graphically. The proposed prototype is implemented by JAVA, which is used to to implement Web-based applications with different platform support. The project provides students with an enhanced graphical user interface (GUI) by which they can build any electrical circuit using either text or schematic entry format, generate the Netlist, which describes all circuit information (circuit topology, circuit attributes and so on), and simulate the design by parsing the Netlist to CIRML format, which is sent over the network to the remote server. The server will process the CIRML data and run the simulation using PSPICE and eventually send back the simulation results to the client for display.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2004
- Identifier
- CFE0000315, ucf:46316
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000315
- Title
- USING COMPUTER SIMULATION MODELING TO EVALUATE THE BIOTERRORISMRESPONSE PLAN AT A LOCAL HOSPITAL FACILITY.
- Creator
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Bebber, Robert, Liberman, Aaron, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The terrorist attacks of September 11th, 2001 and the subsequent anthrax mail attack have forced health care administrators and policy makers to place a new emphasis on disaster planning at hospital facilities--specifically bioterrorism planning. Yet how does one truly "prepare" for the unpredictable? In spite of accreditation requirements, which demand hospitals put in to place preparations to deal with bioterrorism events, a recent study from the General Accounting Office (GAO) concluded...
Show moreThe terrorist attacks of September 11th, 2001 and the subsequent anthrax mail attack have forced health care administrators and policy makers to place a new emphasis on disaster planning at hospital facilities--specifically bioterrorism planning. Yet how does one truly "prepare" for the unpredictable? In spite of accreditation requirements, which demand hospitals put in to place preparations to deal with bioterrorism events, a recent study from the General Accounting Office (GAO) concluded that most hospitals are still not capable of dealing with such threats (Gonzalez, 2004). This dissertation uses computer simulation modeling to test the effectiveness of bioterrorism planning at a local hospital facility in Central Florida, Winter Park Memorial Hospital. It is limited to the response plan developed by the hospital's Emergency Department. It evaluates the plan's effectiveness in dealing with an inhalational anthrax attack. Using Arena computer simulation software, and grounded within the theoretical framework of Complexity Science, we were able to test the effectiveness of the response plan in relation to Emergency Department bed capacity. Our results indicated that the response plan's flexibility was able to accommodate an increased patient load due to an attack, including an influx of the "worried well." Topics of future work and study are proposed.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2007
- Identifier
- CFE0001712, ucf:47293
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0001712