Abstract

"Computational Geometry Problems in the Real (and Virtual) World"

Joe Mitchell

University at Stony Brook

Computational geometry problems show up naturally in many applications. Many of the problems, as well as the methods of analysis, employ relatively elementary mathematical concepts, while representing problem-solving challenges.

In this talk I will present a variety of applied computational geometry problems, each having a story that makes it easy to describe to non-specialists. The problems come from some of our ongoing project work done in collaboration with industry, including: collision detection for interactive simulations ("virtual reality"), route planning (in geographic information systems [GIS]), and manufacturing process planning (cutter plans for milling/routing, tube bending, etc.). Many of the simple instances of these problems provide ideal classroom examples that challenge students to exercise their problem-solving skills.