Virtual Interactive Simulation and Inspection Tool (VISIT)

To support and enhance nonproliferation, our team has developed a method to generate 3D interactive architectural and outside world representations that are true-to-scale, run on higher-end desktop computers, and provide visual details and simulated processes for interested parties. With the completion of new nuclear material and biological safety facilities, there is concern that workers, inspectors, local citizens, and other interested parties may not have sufficient access to those facilities to answer their various concerns. Other research facilities are being designed and must be authorized and funded by sponsors with enough knowledge to support the construction of the anticipated facilities and their operations. In the aftermath of the September 11 events, our national infrastructure requires technological solutions to better anticipate, respond to, and mitigate potential threats. The Virtual Interactive Simulation and Inspection Tool (VISIT) team has been developing new, true-to-scale interactive environments for increased knowledge and understanding of current and proposed sites, facilities, and their operations The VISIT team addresses the concerns surrounding the design, construction, training, orientation, operational, and procedural aspects of such facilities. We are leveraging technology from the multibillion dollar video game industry for application to our safeguards and security challenges. With VISIT, the end-user has the ability to freely interact with and manipulate the environment or assume a particular role. These capabilities provide an invaluable training asset to any individual or team required to become familiar with a facility prior to their actual presence on-site. These capabilities also provide an immediately accessible understanding of site features and operations. VISIT supports user-driven navigation and interaction, participant-in-the-loop capabilities, and prebuilt animated virtual fly-throughs that are useful for initial orientation and demonstration purposes. Our long-term goals are to build automated production pipelines for generating new real-world environments in hours and minutes instead of the currently required months and days. The VISIT team is inspired to present information in a multi-sensory method to help users perceive and understand virtual environments with knowledge discovery from their interaction with these virtual worlds.