"Intra-operative and Nanoscale research in the VRAI Group"

			     Dr. Charles Baur
	    Virtual Reality and Active Interfaces (VRAI) Group
		   Swiss Federal Institute of Technology
			   Lausanne, Switzerland


In this informal talk, I will give an overview of two research projects
that the VRAI Group has recently started. To maximize interaction, I intend
to keep the presentation short and will then hold an open discussion.

  "Sensor fusion, visual and active interfaces for minimally invasive surgery"
  (Swiss National Science Foundation "NCCR" program)

  The objective of this project is to enable surgeons to benefit from
  preoperative data during minimally invasive surgery. Traditional Computer
  Assisted Surgery (CAS) techniques are not effective for minimally
  invasive surgery, especially when soft tissues (i.e. deformable objects)
  are involved. Thus, we are investigating 3D model reconstruction (CT,
  MRI, etc.), 3D model update from intra-operative data and fusion with
  preoperative data, 3D intra-operative positioning techniques using active
  interfaces, and 3D visualization.


  "Nanomanipulation of carbon nanotubes" 
  (Swiss Commission for Technology and Innovation "Top Nano 21" project)

  The aim of this project is to develop a force-feedback interface that
  enables a user to manipulate nanometer size objects with an Atomic Force
  Microscope (AFM). Our current interface integrates a high-performance
  force-feedback system (the Delta Haptic Device), real-time 3D graphics, and
  physics-based simulation of nanoscale AFM interaction. We have recently
  begun integrating our system with a commercial AFM and are now evaluating
  the suitability of different operation modes for nanomanipulation. During
  the next year, the system will be used to create nanostructures based on
  carbon nanotubes.


Biography

Charles Baur received his Ph.D. in Microengineering from the Swiss Federal
Institute of Technology (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland in 1992. He is
currently Adjoint Scientifique at EPFL and director of the Virtual Reality
and Active Interfaces Group, which he created in 1993. In addition, Charles
is founder and CEO of 2C3D (www.2c3d.ch), a start-up company specializing
in real-time, 3D visualization for medical imaging and endoscopic
applications. Charles is also vice-president of research and development
for Baur SA (a precision mechanisms company) and is currently helping
launch ForceDimension (www.forcedimension.com), a start-up company
developing high-end haptic devices for research and industrial
applications.