NEWS ADVISORY:
JUSTICE DEPARTMENT OFFICIAL TO SEE VIRTUAL REALITY DEMONSTRATION
On Thursday (5/2), an Ohio State University engineering
professor will demonstrate for a high-ranking U.S. Justice
Department official how virtual reality computer programs could
be used to fight crime.
Fabian Hadipriono, professor of civil engineering and
engineering graphics, will show Nancy Gist, director of the
Bureau of Justice Assistance, the work he will be doing on
designing structures that resist criminal activity. He will show
slides of building elements that affect a structure's safety --
such as alcoves that provide hiding places, proximity to public
thoroughfares or underground parking garages that allow vehicular
bombs to be brought to the building, and structural columns that
resist "domino effect" collapses.
He will also demonstrate, using a head monitor, cybergloves
and a supercomputer, how virtual reality can realistically
simulate being inside a proposed building. Such technology, if
adapted for crime prevention and safety, could allow engineers,
public officials and law enforcement experts to work together to
design and build safer buildings.
Gist, whose office distributes federal funding for state and
local law enforcement, is in Columbus Thursday to meet with a
number of local officials. While the work that Professor
Hadipriono is doing is not currently funded through her office,
it has possibilities for use in innovative crime fighting
techniques.
The demonstrations with Ms. Gist will take place in Room 411
of Bolz Hall, 2036 Neil Ave. from 11 a.m. to noon. Reporters are
invited to attend, and Professor Hadipriono will be available
afterward to answer questions from the media.
#
Contact: Fabian Hadipriono, 292-8518.
[Submitted by: Von Reid-Vargas (ereid@magnus.acs.ohio-state.edu)
Wed, 1 May 1996 14:55:42 -0400]
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