96-05-01 Professor to Explain Virtual Reality Crime Fighting

                           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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