ABSTRACT

In the 21st Century, many theoretical physicists claim that higher dimensions may indeed exist. Arkani-Hamed, Dimopoulos, & Dvali and Randall-Sundrum, in addition to Kaluza-Klein and M-string theorists, have introduced reasonable explanations for the existence of heretofore "invisible" higher dimensions. Whether or not these extra dimensions exist is irrelevant to their contributions to the visionary conceptualization associated within improved mathematical and physical analysis.

Envisioning extra dimensions beyond the three of common experience is a daunting challenge for three dimensional observers. Intuition relies on experience gained in a three dimensional environment. Gaining experience with virtual four dimensional objects and virtual three manifolds in four-space on a personal computer may provide the basis for an intuitive grasp of four dimensions.

Dr. Black will present some 30 minutes of Computer Generated animation sequences representing the state-of-the-art in the field of Scientific Visualization of Extra Spatial Dimensions. Videos of 3D and 4D objects will be presented along with explanations in a manner to simplify and clarify the attendee's conceptualization of higher dimensional space and objects. He will briefly discuss new and exotic Theories of Physics such as the ADD "Large Extra Dimensions" and the RS Extra Dimensional warped geometry model as they relate to Visualization. If time permits, visualizations of the Special and General Theories of Relativity explored.

This presentation is an 'outtake' of Dr. Black's research into "Visualizing Extra Spatial Dimensions" at UCI. In addition to the animations of Dr. Daniel Weiskopf, Corvin Zahn and Andrew Hamilton, Don will provide a non-mathematical overview of Einstein's Theory of Relativity and the field of Relativistic Visualization as time permits.

BIOGRAPHY

In 1976, Don V Black joined the microcomputer renaissance when he founded Digital ChoreoGraphics, a software firm specializing in interactive computer graphics for the microcomputer. Digital ChoreoGraphics developed a number of commercial animation, CAD, and visualization products including EAGER 3D, ProductOne, SnapShot, Animage, Floor Visions, Splash!, and PlanScape. In addition, he contributed to the development of the first mobile satellite digital telephone (the NASA MSAT-X project), and managed the R&D team responsible for the Prisma System (Calcomp's high-end CAD workstation).

Dr. Black received his Master of Science degree from UCI's School of Information and Computer Sciences in the area of Visual Computing for his thesis on "Visualization of Classical and Relativistic Spacetime Geometry". His Doctor of Philosophy degree was awarded by the UCI School of Engineering in the field of Visualization and Computer Graphics for his dissertation entitled "Computational Techniques to Enable Visualizing Shapes of Objects of Extra Spatial Dimensions".

Prior to indulging his life long dream to earn a Ph.D., Dr. Black spent some two decades as an entrepreneur in the Software Engineering field. Dr. Don V Black is currently owner and director of Digital ChoreoGraphics, a computer graphics software development firm specializing in visualization, a Past Chairman of the IEEE Orange County Computer Society and IEEE-OC Volunteers Chair, the Founding Chair of the IEEE-OC GameSIG, and a founding Executive Committee Member of the IEEE CS Task Force on Game Technology. Don did his undergraduate work at North Carolina State University (NCSU), before accepting a position with the Computer Center at the University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill (UNC-CH), supporting the Triangle Universities Computation Center (TUCC) conversational programming system (CPS) and the interactive graphics systems.

Dr. Black now continues with his research into visualizing extra dimensions.