Volume 15 (1996)
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Item SCROOGE:Perceptually-Driven Polygon Reduction(Blackwell Science Ltd and the Eurographics Association, 1996) Reddy, M.Many real-time 3D graphics renderers represent each object as a collection of simple polygons. The complexity of this polygon structure is of practical relevance because it can manifestly affect the performance of the graphics system. It is therefore common place to find techniques to reduce the polygonal complexity of a model with the ultimate aim of improving the interactivity of the application. In the past, many of these schemes have not been concerned with the perceptual side-effects of this reduction and as a result a number of visual incongruities are often perceivable when these correspondingly-reduced representations are employed. As an attempt to circumvent these problems, this paper presents a methodology for reducing the polygonal complexity of a model, whilst retaining a degree of perceptual predictability. This allows the visual consequences of the degradation to be quantified and accurately modelled.Item Surface Reconstruction from Unstructured 3D Data(Blackwell Science Ltd and the Eurographics Association, 1996) Algorri, Maria-Elena; Schmitt, FrancisBuilding 3 0 models from unstructured data is a problem that arises increasingly as new 30 scanning technology is able to produce large and complex databases of full 3 0 information. Huge efforts put into segmenting entire sets of 20 images demand robust tools that are then able to reconstruct any arbitrary 30 surface segmented from the images. In this paper we propose an algorithmic methodology that automatically produces a surface from a set of points in ?3 about which we have no topological knowledge. Our method uses a spatial decomposition and a surface tracking algorithm to produce a rough approximation S of the unknown manifold S. The produced surface S serves as a robust initialisation for a physically based modeling technique that yields the fine details of S and so improves the quality of the reconstruction.Item Computation of Higher Order Illumination with a Non-Deterministic Approach(Blackwell Science Ltd and the Eurographics Association, 1996) Bouatouch, Kadi; Pattanaik, S. N.; Zeghers, EricIn spite of the number of efforts made by the computer graphics researchers, till today the computation of view-independent global illumination in an environment containing non-diffusely reflecting objects is a non-resolved problem. In general, non-deterministic techniques seem to be capable of solving this problem. In this article we propose one such non-deterministic method which will permit such calculation by using a combined technique of higher order function approximation and particle tracing. We have used multi-wavelets as basis functions and have calculated the illumination function approximation coefficients by exploiting the adjointness between the radiance equation and the potential equation.Item Scripting Interactive Physically-Based Motions with Relative Paths and Synchronization(Blackwell Science Ltd and the Eurographics Association, 1996) Lamouret, Alexis; Gascuel, Marie-PauleThis paper presents a novel approach for facilitating the use of physically based models by animators. The idea is to let the user guide motion at a high level of control by giving approximate desired trajectories and synchronization constraints between the objects over time, while a simulation module computes the final motion, dealing with collision detection and response, and enhancing realism.The objects, which are either isolated or components of an articulated structure, are guided through the specification of key-positions and orientations, defined by coordinates that can be fixed or relative to another object. The animation sequence is scripted by specifying a graph of synchronization constraints between objects over time. During the animation, objects automatically regulate their speed in order to meet these constraints.Item Fractal modeling using free form techniques(Blackwell Science Ltd and the Eurographics Association, 1996) Zair, Chems Eddine; Tosan, EricIFS models have become a powerful tool for the construction of fractal sets. They offer a straightforward way to generate complex, self-similar figures as attractors. However, they present the fundamental disadvantage of providing little control over the global form of the attractor. In contrast, free form techniques give a high control over smooth man-made objects with the use of a set of control points.In this paper, we present a new approach of fractal modeling which is based on IFS theory. We shall use free form techniques to give a practical and efficient way to build controlled fractal attractors. The resulting effect consists on the ability to deform a fractal shape interactively into the desired shape, in the same way as parametric forms (Bezier, splines).Item The Production of Volume Data from Triangular Meshes Using Voxelisation(Blackwell Science Ltd and the Eurographics Association, 1996) Jones, Mark W.Voxelisation is the term given to the process of converting data from one source type into a three dimensional volume of data values. The techniques known collectively as volume visualisation can then be applied to the data in order to produce a graphical representation of the object. This paper gives a practical approach to the voxelisation of data in the form of triangular meshes, and demonstrates the use of the method on various datasets. Visualisation is achieved by a method also described in the paper.Item Dynamics and Chaos: The Spherical Pendulum(Blackwell Science Ltd and the Eurographics Association, 1996) Palacios, Antonio; Gross, Lee M.; Rockwood, Alyn P.All but the simplest of dynamical systems contain nonlinearities that play an important role in modeling and simulating physical systems. They create unpredictable (chaotic) behavior that is often hidden or neglected in traditional solutions. A simple dynamical system, the spherical pendulum, is introduced to illustrate issues, principles, and effects of chaos in dynamics. The spherical pendulum is a two degrees of freedom nonlinear system with a pivot point in space. The equations of motion for the pendulum are derived, simulated, and animated. A periodical perturbation is applied to the pivot point producing radically different behavior.Item Accelerated Evaluation of Box Splines via a Parallel Inverse FFT(Blackwell Science Ltd and the Eurographics Association, 1996) McCool, Michael D.Box splines are a multivariate extension of uniform univariate B-splines. Direct evaluation of a box spline basis function can he difficult but they have a relatively simple Fourier transform and can therefore be evaluated with an inverse FFT. Symmetry recursive evaluation of the coefficients, and parallelization can be used to improve absolute performance. A windowing function can also he used to reduce truncation artifacts. We explore all these options in the context of a high-performance parallel implementation. Our goal is the provision of an empirical touchstone for the inverse FFT evaluation of box spline basis functions, for eventual application to forward projection (splat-based) volume rendering.Item CCD-Camera Based Optical Beacon Tracking for Virtual and Augmented Reality(Blackwell Science Ltd and the Eurographics Association, 1996) Madritsch, Franz; Gervautz, MichaelWe introduce a scheme for optical beacon tracking using two CCD-cameras and LED beacons. Due to the sub-pixel accuracy of the beacon detection algorithm a very high precision can be achieved so that the tracking method is suitable for augmented reality applications. We describe the assembly of the equipment needed for the whole tracking system, the behavior of LED-beacons, and how three beacons can be combined to form a 6-DOF tracker. A report on our accuracy evaluation and its results are given. Furthermore we describe two application prototypes in which the tracker was incorporated and tested.Item Intelligent Control for Haptic Displays(Blackwell Science Ltd and the Eurographics Association, 1996) Munch, Stefan; Stangenberg, MartinUsually, a mouse is used for input activities only, whereas output from the computer is sent via the monitor and one or two loudspeakers. But why not use the mouse for output, too? For instance, if it would be possible to predict the next interaction object the user wants to click on, a mouse with a mechanical brake could stop the cursor movement at the desired position. This kind of aid is especially attractive for small targets like resize handles of windows or small buttons.In this paper, we present an approach for the integration of haptic feedback in everyday graphical user interfaces. We use a specialized mouse which, is able to apply simple haptic information, to the user s hand and index finger. A multi-agent system has been designed which observes the user in order to predict the next interaction object and launch haptic feedback, thus supporting positioning actions with the mouse. Although primarily designed in order to provide intelligent haptic feedback, the system can be combined with other output modalities as well, due to its modular and flexible architecture.Item 3D Interactive Topological Modeling using Visible Human Dataset(Blackwell Science Ltd and the Eurographics Association, 1996) Beylot, P; Gingins, P; Kalra, P; Thalmann, N Magnenat; Maurel, W; Thalmann, D; Fasel, JAvailability of Visible Human Dataset (VHD)has provided numerous possibilities for its exploitation in both medical applications and 3D animation. In this paper, we present our interactive tools which enable extraction of surfaces for different organs, including bones, muscles, fascia, and skin, from the VHD. The reconstructed surfaces then are used for defining the inter-relationship of organs, a process we refer to as topological modeling. A data base is constructed, which encapsulates structural, topological, mechanical and other relevant information about organs. A 3D interactive tool enables the building and editing of this data base. Such a data base can later be used for different applications in fields such as medicine, sports, education, and entertainment.Item Surface Graph Sketching(Blackwell Science Ltd and the Eurographics Association, 1996) Hutchinson, D.; Lin, F.; Hewitt, W.T.The production of patterns and designs upon surfaces has received only limited attention, with texturing techniques being accepted as adequate. Texturing, however, can be a very unsatisfactory and clumsy method of producing complex and accurate designs upon a surface, even more so with surfaces such as NURBS where a texture may appear very much distorted when mapped to a surface. This paper introduces a new approach called surface graph sketching which draws upon ideas from planar graph sketching for the construction of complex curve networks across parametrically defined surfaces. Surface curves can be created by a number of methods and stored in the parameter space of the surface thereby allowing intricate and more importantly accurate surface designs to be created. Regions of the surface may be assigned a property such as colour or texture, or cut away to produce holes. Surface graph sketching has a number of applications, in the design of trimming curves, surface patterning and texture map definitions.Item Special Effects with Half-Toning(Blackwell Science Ltd and the Eurographics Association, 1996) Buchanan, John W.Half-toning is the process by which gray-scale images are approximated with sets of black and white pixels. The process works because our eyes perceive a local average, thus half-toning seeks to approximate the local average. Ideally this approximation should be accomplished without introducing undesirable artifacts.In many situations the stylized display of images is desired. Often this stylized display is accomplished by the addition of semi-structured artifacts. In current applications the designer processes the image using tools provided by some image processing package. The resulting image is then half-toned and printed. Half-toning these processed images can reduce the visual impact of the special effects that have been introduced in the image.In this paper we show that the processes of controlled artifact introduction and half-toning can successfully be combined. By combining these two processes we ensure that the printed image is what the designer intended. We present a brief overview of the current error-diffusion half-toning techniques. We then propose several ways in which artifacts can be introduced to the image. This discussion is accompanied by a set of illustrative images.In particular, we discuss the introduction of false edges and the alteration of the scan pattern. We illustrate these techniques with a variety of images.We conclude the paper with a discussion on these new half-toning methods for the generation of binary gray-scale textures. In addition to showing how to generate these binary gray-scale textures we also show how these gray-scale textures can be used to half-tone images.Item Demand-Driven Geometry Transmission for Distributed Virtual Environments(Blackwell Science Ltd and the Eurographics Association, 1996) Schmalstieg, Dieter; Gervautz, MichaelWe present a strategy for rendering in distributed virtual environments. A geometry database is maintained by a server, while users invoke individual clients to interact with the environment. Instead of downloading a complete copy of the geometry data, the data is distributed on demand, thus gaining signifcant savings in network bandwidth. Our strategy combines several techniques, including levels of detail, progressive refinement and graceful degradation to deliver the data"just in time" over the network to the rendering process. The method allows operate on a tight resource budget, which important if attempting to use low cost systems for virtual reality applications.Item A Platform for User-Tailored Interaction Development in 2D, 3D, and VR(Blackwell Science Ltd and the Eurographics Association, 1996) Encarnacao, L. Miguel; Fechter, Jurgen; Grunert, Thomas; Strasser, WolfgangThe discussion on the advantages and disadvantages of 2D, 3D, and VR interfaces and their applicability to different types of systems, users, and information led to a series of stand-alone implementations that lack the possibility of realizing an integrated approach. The acceptance of the different interaction techniques will depend on their success in practical applications, i.e. with systems that are used by different users for different purposes. Since this acceptance is especially hard to achieve in computer-critical environments, such as medicine, we developed a software environment that allows for the development, integration, and user-centered evaluation of existing and new interaction techniques for their use in medical applications. This environment is equipped with an innovative message-passing functionality that provides the communication to and among application objects in 2D, 3D, and VR. Furthermore, the environment contains a component for user-adapted interaction and system support at runtime.Item A Three Dimensional Image Cache for Virtual Reality(Blackwell Science Ltd and the Eurographics Association, 1996) Schaufler, Gernot; Sturzlinger, WolfgangDespite recent advances in rendering hardware, large and complex virtual environments cannot be displayed with a sufficiently highframe rate, because of limitations in the available rendering performance.This paper presents a new approach of software accelerated rendering which draws from the concepts of impostors, hierarchical scene subdivision and levels of detail. So far software optimization in real-time rendering has merely considered individual objects. This work is actually optimizing the rendering of the whole virtual environment by implementing a three dimensional image cache. It speeds up rendering for large portions of the scene by exploiting the coherence inherent in any smooth frame sequence.The implementation of the three dimensional image cache is discussed and the savings in rendering load achievable on a suitable hardware platform are presented.Item Reusable Radiosity Objects(Blackwell Science Ltd and the Eurographics Association, 1996) Ouhyoung, Ming; Chuang, Yung-Yu; Liang, Rung-HueiBecause of the view independence and photo realistic image generation in a diffuse environment, radiosity is suitable for an interactive walk through system. The drawback of radiosity is that it is time-consuming in form factor estimation, and furthermore, inserting, deleting or moving an object makes the whole costly rendering process repeat itself. To solve this problem, we encapsulate necessary information for form factor calculation and visibility estimation in each object, which is called a reusable radiosity object. An object is defined as a cluster or clusters of triangles. Whenever a scene updates, the radiosity algorithm looks up the prestored information in each object, thus speeding itself up by two orders of magnitude. Besides, solution time based on cluster representatives is linear to the number of objects since each object is reusable, encapsulated with preprocessed data in every level of hierarchy. We also analyze the unregarded error on visibility estimation and propose a statistically optimal adaptive algorithm to maintain the same error for each link.Item Generation of Smooth Surfaces by Controlling Curvature Variation(Blackwell Science Ltd and the Eurographics Association, 1996) Higashi, Masatake; Tsutamori, Hideo; Hosaka, MamoruTo satisfy a designer s intention for constructing aesthetic shapes such as automotive bodies, we propose a surface generation method. In the surface design process, designers determine shapes according to their great concern for the reflected images of vehicle surroundings, shade lines and highlight lines. Since reflection and shading are affected by changes of surface normal, the curvature variation of the surface, which represents the change of the surface normal, should be smooth and distributed as designers want. The proposed method controls curvature distribution directly by determining a surface shape from an evolute, which is a locus of the curvature center of the generatrix and moves along directrices to form the surface. It first generates evolutes of boundary curves to be generatrices as rational Bezier curves, then interpolates their shapes with the Bezier polygons, and locates the interpolated shape to the corresponding position of the directrices. By applying this method, we have confirmed that a smooth shape is generated from four boundary curves.Item Full-range approximation of triangulated polyhedra.(Blackwell Science Ltd and the Eurographics Association, 1996) Ronfard, Remi; Rossignac, JarekWe propose a new algorithm for automatically computing approximations of a given polyhedral object at different levels of details. The application for this algorithm is the display of very complex scenes. where many objects are seen with a range of varying levels of detail. Our approach is similar to the region-merging method used for image segmentation. We iteratively collapse edges, based on a measure of the geometric deviation from the initial shape. When edges are merged in the right order, this strategy produces a continuum of valid approximations of the original object, which can be used for faster rendering at vastly different scales.Item BOXTREE: A Hierarchical Representation for Surfaces in 3D(Blackwell Science Ltd and the Eurographics Association, 1996) Barequet, Gill; Chazelle, Bernard; Guibas, Leonidas J.; Mitchell, Joseph S.B.; Tal, AyelletWe introduce the boxtree, a versatile data structure for representing triangulated or meshed surfaces in 3D. A boxtree is a hierarchical structure of nested boxes that supports efficient ray tracing and collision detection. It is simple and robust, and requires minimal space. In situations where storage is at a premium, boxtrees are effective alternatives to octrees and BSP trees. They are also more flexible and efficient than R-trees, and nearly as simple to implement.