Issue 3

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https://diglib.eg.org/handle/10.2312/91

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Now showing 1 - 20 of 41

Partitioning and Handling Massive Models for Interactive Collision Detection
(Blackwell Publishers Ltd and the Eurographics Association, 1999) Wilson, A.; Larsen, E.; Manocha, D.; Lin, M. C.
We describe an approach for interactive collision detection and proximity computations on massive models composed of millions of geometric primitives. We address issues related to interactive data access and processing in a large geometric database, which may not fit into main memory of typical desktop workstations or computers. We present a new algorithm using overlap graphs for localizing the "regions of interest" within a massive model, thereby reducing runtime memory requirements. The overlap graph is computed off-line, pre-processed using graph partitioning algorithms, and modified on the fly as needed. At run time, we traverse localized sub-graphs to check the corresponding geometry for proximity and pre-fetch geometry and auxiliary data structures. To perform interactive proximity queries, we use bounding-volume hierarchies and take advantage of spatial and temporal coherence. Based on the proposed algorithms, we have developed a system called IMMPACT and used it for interaction with a CAD model of a power plant consisting of over 15 million triangles. We are able to perform a number of proximity queries in real-time on such a model. In terms of model complexity and application to large models, we have improved the performance of interactive collision detection and proximity computation algorithms by an order of magnitude.
Active Storytelling
(Blackwell Publishers Ltd and the Eurographics Association, 1999) Glassner, Andrew
Weighted Multipass Methods for Global Illumination
(Blackwell Publishers Ltd and the Eurographics Association, 1999) Suykens, Frank; Willems, Yves D.
In multipass rendering, care has to be taken to include all light transport only once in the final solution. Therefore the different methods in current multipass configurations handle a perfectly disjunct part of the light transport. In this paper a Monte Carlo variance reduction technique is presented that probabilistically weights overlapping transport between different methods. A good heuristic for the weights is derived so that strengths of the respective methods are retained. The technique is applied to a combination of radiosity and bidirectional path tracing and significant improvement is obtained over the non-weighted combination. This method promises to be a very useful extension to other multipass algorithms as well.
Fast Lines: a Span by Span Method
(Blackwell Publishers Ltd and the Eurographics Association, 1999) Boyer, V.; Bourdin, J.J.
Straight line's scan conversion and drawing is a major field in computer graphics. Algorithm's time computation is very important. Nowadays, most of research papers suggest improvements of the DDA method that was first presented by J. Bresenham. But other approaches exist as well like combinatory analysis and linguistic methods. Both of them use multiple string copies that slow down the efficiency of the algorithms. This paper proposes a new algorithm based on a careful analysis of the line segments' properties some of them previously unused. Our algorithm is proved significantly faster than previously published ones.
The Hybrid World of Virtual Environments
(Blackwell Publishers Ltd and the Eurographics Association, 1999) Smith, Shamus; Duke, David; Massink, Mieke
Much of the work concerned with virtual environments has addressed the development of new rendering technologies or interaction techniques. As the technology matures and becomes adopted in a wider range of applications, there is, however, a need to better understand how this technology can be accommodated in software engineering practice. A particular challenge presented by virtual environments is the complexity of the interaction that is supported, and sometimes necessary, for a particular task. Methods such as finite-state automata which are used to represent and design dialogue components for more conventional interfaces, e.g. using direct manipulation within a desktop model, do not seem to capture adequately the style of interaction that is afforded by richer input devices and graphical models. In this paper, we suggest that virtual environments are, fundamentally, what are known as hybrid systems. Building on this insight, we demonstrate how techniques developed for modelling hybrid systems can be used to represent and understand virtual interaction in a way that can be used in the specification and design phases of software development, and which have the potential to support prototyping and analysis of virtual interfaces.
An Efficient 2? D rendering and Compositing System
(Blackwell Publishers Ltd and the Eurographics Association, 1999) Froumentin, M.; Willis, P.
We describe a method for doing image compositing using either 2D geometric shapes or raster images as input primitives. The resolution of the final image is virtually unlimited but, as no frame buffer is used, performance is much less dependant on resolution than with standard painting programs, allowing rendering very large images in reasonable time. Many standard features found in compositing programs have been implemented, like hierarchical data structures for input primitives, lighting control for each layer and filter operations (for antialiasing or defocus).
Image Morphing with Feature Preserving Texture
(Blackwell Publishers Ltd and the Eurographics Association, 1999) Tal, Ayellet; Elber, Gershon
Image metamorphosis as an animation tool has mostly been employed in the context of the entire image. This work explores the use of isolated and focused image based metamorphosis between two-dimensional objects, while capturing the features, colors, and textures of the objects. This pinpointed approach allows one to independently overlay several such dynamic shapes, without any bleeding of one shape into another. Hence, shape blending and metamorphosis of two-dimensional objects can be exploited as animated sequences of clip arts.
A Free Form Feature Taxonomy
(Blackwell Publishers Ltd and the Eurographics Association, 1999) Fontana, M.; Giannini, F.; Meirana, M.
In this paper the notion of free form feature for aesthetic design is presented. The design of industrial products constituted by free form surfaces is done by using CAD systems representing curves and surfaces by means of NURBS functions, which are usually defined by low level entities that are not intuitive and require some knowledge of the mathematical language. Similarly to the feature-based approach adopted by CAD systems for classical mechanical design, a set of high level modelling entities which provides commonly performed shape modifications has been identified. Particularly, the paper suggests a classification of the so-called detail features for an aesthetic and/or functional characterization of predefined free form surfaces. Feature types are formally described by means of an analytical definition of the surface modification through deformation and elimination laws. A topological classification is then given according to the application domain of such laws. A further sub-classification of morphological types is then suggested according to geometric properties of weak convexity and concavity for the resulting modified shape, leading to a taxonomy of simple free form features meaningful for aesthetic design.
Generalized View-Dependent Simplification
(Blackwell Publishers Ltd and the Eurographics Association, 1999) El-Sana, Jihad; Varshney, Amitabh
We propose a technique for performing view-dependent geometry and topology simplifications for level-of-detail-based renderings of large models. The algorithm proceeds by preprocessing the input dataset into a binary tree, the view-dependence tree of general vertex-pair collapses. A subset of the Delaunay edges is used to limit the number of vertex pairs considered for topology simplification. Dependencies to avoid mesh foldovers in manifold regions of the input object are stored in the view-dependence tree in an implicit fashion. We have observed that this not only reduces the space requirements by a factor of two, it also highly localizes the memory accesses at run time. The view-dependence tree is used at run time to generate the triangles for display. We also propose a cubic-spline-based distance metric that can be used to unify the geometry and topology simplifications by considering the vertex positions and normals in an integrated manner.
Interactive Mechanical Design Variation for Haptics and CAD
(Blackwell Publishers Ltd and the Eurographics Association, 1999) Nelson, Donald D.; Cohen, Elaine
A fast design variation technique for mechanical systems is presented. It is used to interactively optimize mechanical characteristics while "self-assembling" or satisfying large systems of mechanical constraints. The high speed method is central to providing inverse dynamics force feedback in haptics and control applications. Performance advantages with the use of augmented coordinates for inverse dynamics of closed loop topologies are also noted. The interaction framework allows manipulation of complex assemblies while maintaining kinematically admissible configurations though linkage and joint limit constraints. Furthermore, design variables such as link length can be treated as free variables and optimized to meet design criteria such as assembly dexterity. Assemblies with flexible bodies fit naturally within this framework. Thus, the contribution of this paper is the advancement of techniques in augmented coordinates for the kinematic and force feedback interaction with virtual mechanical assembly design optimization at force control rates.
Multi-layered impostors for accelerated rendering
(Blackwell Publishers Ltd and the Eurographics Association, 1999) Decoret, Xavier; Sillion, Francois; Schaufler, Gernot; Dorsey, Julie
This paper describes the successful combination of pre-generated and dynamically updated image-based representations to accelerate the visualization of complex virtual environments. We introduce a new type of impostor, which has the desirable property of limiting de-occlusion errors to a user-specified amount. This impostor, composed of multiple layers of textured meshes, replaces the distant geometry and is much faster to draw. It captures the relevant depth complexity in the model without resorting to a complete sampling of the scene. We show that layers can be dynamically updated during visualization. This guarantees bounded scene complexity in each frame and also exploits temporal coherence to improve image quality when possible. We demonstrate the strengths of this approach in the context of city walkthroughs.
Improved Laplacian Smoothing of Noisy Surface Meshes
(Blackwell Publishers Ltd and the Eurographics Association, 1999) Vollmer, J.; Mencl, R.; Muller, H.
This paper presents a technique for smoothing polygonal surface meshes that avoids the well-known problem of deformation and shrinkage caused by many smoothing methods, like e.g. the Laplacian algorithm. The basic idea is to push the vertices of the smoothed mesh back towards their previous locations. This technique can be also used in order to smooth unstructured point sets, by reconstructing a surface mesh to which the smoothing technique is applied. The key observation is that a surface mesh which is not necessarily topologically correct, but which can efficiently be reconstructed, is sufficient for that purpose.
Texturing 3D Models of Real World Objects from Multiple Unregistered Photographic Views
(Blackwell Publishers Ltd and the Eurographics Association, 1999) Neugebauer, Peter J.; Klein, Konrad
As the efficiency of computer graphic rendering methods is increasing, generating realistic models is now becoming a limiting factor. In this paper we present a new technique to enhance already existing geometry models of real world objects with textures reconstructed from a sparse set of unregistered still photographs. The aim of the proposed technique is the generation of nearly photo-realistic models of arbitrarily shaped objects with minimal effort. In our approach, we require neither a prior calibration of the camera nor a high precision of the user's interaction. Two main problems have to be addressed of which the first is the recovery of the unknown positions and parameters of the camera. An initial estimate of the orientation is calculated from interactively selected point correspondences. Subsequently, the unknown parameters are accurately calculated by minimising a blend of objective functions in a 3D-2D projective registration approach. The key point of the proposed method of registration is a novel filtering approach which utilises the spatial information provided by the geometry model. Second, the individual images have to be combined yielding a set of consistent texture maps. We present a robust method to recover the texture from the photographs thereby preserving high spatial frequencies and eliminating artifacts, particularly specular highlights. Parts of the object not seen in any of the photographs are interpolated in the textured model. Results are shown for three complex example objects with different materials and numerous self-occlusions.
A Practical Analysis of Clustering Strategies for Hierarchical Radiosity (Supplementary material)
(Blackwell Publishers Ltd and the Eurographics Association, 1999) Hasenfratz, Jean-Marc; Damez, Cyrille; Sillion, Francois; Drettakis, George
Fast Polyhedral Cell Sorting for Interactive Rendering of Unstructured Grids
(Blackwell Publishers Ltd and the Eurographics Association, 1999) Comba, Joao; Klosowsk, James T.; Max, Nelson; Mitchell, Joseph S. B.; Silva, Claudio T.; Williams, Peter L.
Direct volume rendering based on projective methods works by projecting, in visibility order, the polyhedral cells of a mesh onto the image plane, and incrementally compositing the cell's color and opacity into the final image. Crucial to this method is the computation of a visibility ordering of the cells. If the mesh is "well-behaved" (acyclic and convex), then the MPVO method of Williams provides a very fast sorting algorithm; however, this method only computes an approximate ordering in general datasets, resulting in visual artifacts when rendered. A recent method of Silva et al. removed the assumption that the mesh is convex, by means of a sweep algorithm used in conjunction with the MPVO method; their algorithm is substantially faster than previous exact methods for general meshes.In this paper we propose a new technique, which we call BSP-XMPVO, which is based on a fast and simple way of using binary space partitions on the boundary elements of the mesh to augment the ordering produced by MPVO. Our results are shown to be orders of magnitude better than previous exact methods of sorting cells.
A Practical Analysis of Clustering Strategies for Hierarchical Radiosity
(Blackwell Publishers Ltd and the Eurographics Association, 1999) Hasenfratz, Jean-Marc; Damez, Cyrille; Sillion, Francois; Drettakis, George
The calculation of radiant energy balance in complex scenes has been made possible by hierarchical radiosity methods based on clustering mechanisms. Although clustering offers an elegant theoretical solution by reducing the asymptotic complexity of the algorithm, its practical use raises many difficulties, and may result in image artifacts or unexpected behavior. This paper proposes a detailed analysis of the expectations placed on clustering and compares the relative merits of existing, as well as newly introduced, clustering algorithms. This comparison starts from the precise definition of various clustering strategies based on a taxonomy of data structures and construction algorithms, and proceeds to an experimental study of the clustering behavior for real-world scenes. Interestingly, we observe that for some scenes light is difficult to simulate even with clustering. Our results lead to a series of observations characterizing the adequacy of clustering methods for meeting such diverse goals as progressive solution improvement, efficient ray casting acceleration, and faithful representation of object density for approximate visibility calculations.
Interactive Multiresolution Editing of Arbitrary Meshes
(Blackwell Publishers Ltd and the Eurographics Association, 1999) Lee, Seungyong
This paper presents a novel approach to multiresolution editing of a triangular mesh. The basic idea is to embed an editing area of a mesh onto a 2D rectangle and interpolate the user-specified editing information over the 2D rectangle. The result of the interpolation is mapped back to the editing area and then used to update the mesh. We adopt harmonic maps for the embedding and multilevel B-splines for the interpolation. The proposed mesh editing technique can handle an arbitrary mesh without any preprocessing such as remeshing. It runs fast enough to support interactive editing and produces intuitive editing results.
An Informed Environment Dedicated to the Simulation of Virtual Humans in Urban Context
(Blackwell Publishers Ltd and the Eurographics Association, 1999) Farenc, Nathalie; Boulic, Ronan; Thalmann, Daniel
In this paper, we outline the creation of an Informed Environment, dedicated to urban life simulation.We propose methods and tools for creating and providing the information necessary for animating virtual humans in a city using an Informed Environment. The Informed Environment is based on a hierarchical decomposition of a urban scene into Environment Entities providing geometrical information as well as semantic notions, thus allowing a more realistic simulation of human behaviour. In this manner, virtual humans can integrate with a certain kind of urban knowledge.
Capturing and Re-Using Rendition Styles for Non-Photorealistic Rendering
(Blackwell Publishers Ltd and the Eurographics Association, 1999) Hamel, J.; Strothotte, T.
Rendering high-quality non-photorealistic images of a given geometric model is often associated with a considerable amount of effort on the part of a user to fine-tune the rendition. In this paper we introduce a method and tools for re-using the user's effort invested in one model for the rendering of other models.Our method uses templates to describe rendition styles. The paper gives a number of examples of the successful transfer of styles from one model to another.
The Digital Michelangelo Project
(Blackwell Publishers Ltd and the Eurographics Association, 1999) Levoy, Marc A.

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