SC 98-40 Detlev Stalling: Fast Texture-Based Algorithms for Vector Field Visualization
Abstract: In this thesis we develop new methods for visualizing vector
fields which
specifically address three design goals: accuracy, performance,
and cognition. Our methods will be general-purpose and can be applied to
arbitrary vector fields in two- and three-dimensional space. The
methodology behind our approach is texture-based visualization.
Texture-based visualization methods imitate techniques known from
experimental flow visualization, namely, the observation of randomly
dispersed particles or dye injection patterns. Instead of depicting
individual lines or symbols, a contiguous high-resolution image or texture
is generated. This texture clearly reveals the directional structure of the
field. In this way intuitive insight can be obtained and even small
details of the field become visible. However, it remains unclear
what kind of textures are best suited for our purpose. How do we generate
them? Can we apply these methods in three-dimensional space? In particular,
we focus on a technique known as line integral convolution or LIC.
This method turns out to be quite versatile and well-suited for visualizing
many interesting vector fields. LIC images display the integral curves or
field lines of a vector field at high spatial resolution. Although
conceptually quite simple, line integral convolution implies a number of
interesting mathematical and algorithmic questions.
(only electronic version available)
Keywords: computer graphics,
line integral convolution,
stream surfaces
CR: I.3.3