In our research, we view visual computing as a closed loop: analysis methods (i.e. computer vision) extract rich scene models from visual data (e.g. images, 3D shapes), and synthesis methods (i.e. computer graphics) convert those models back into observable visual data. The two sides of this loop are mutually reinforcing: analysis of large-scale visual data helps to build/learn better synthesis methods (e.g. generative adversarial networks), and the outputs of those synthesis models help to build/learn better analysis methods (e.g. synthetic training data for computer vision systems).

Finally, visual computing systems are designed to be used by people: through visualization of data, interaction with / manipulation of visual scene models, etc. We design visual computing systems that maximize their users' ability to realize their creative visions, to understand complex datasets and phenomena, and to make informed predictions about future events.

Brown has a long history of leadership in visual computing, from the earliest days of "computer graphics" as a field of study to the present. In fact, we are the longest continuously-running graphics group in the known universe, dating back to 1966. Here are a few highlights from our history:

SICGRAPH

Professor Andy van Dam co-founded SICGRAPH, the precursor to SIGGRAPH, the pre-eminent professional organization for computer graphics practitioners.

Textbook

Professors Andy van Dam and Spike Hughes, along with alumni Steve Feiner, Morgan McGuire, and David Sklar, are the authors of Computer Graphics: Principles and Practice, a.k.a. 'the bible of computer graphics.'

NSF Center

In the 1990's, Brown (along with Caltech, Cornell, UNC, and Utah) led the National Science Foundation's Science and Technology Center for Graphics and Visualization.

Hypertext & Hypermedia

Over the span of five decades, Brown researchers led by Professor Andy van Dam have pioneered developments in hypertext, the foundational technology underlying the World Wide Web.

Research History

Brown has a long history of research in graphics and visual computing.