Curvature-Based Transfer Functions for Direct Volume Rendering: Methods and Applications

Curvature-Based Transfer Functions for Direct Volume Rendering: Methods and Applications

Abstract

Direct volume rendering of scalar fields uses a transfer function to map locally measured data properties to opacities and colors. The domain of the transfer function is typically the one-dimensional space of scalar data values. This paper advances the use of curvature information in multi-dimensional transfer functions, with a methodology for computing high-quality curvature measurements. The proposed methodology combines an implicit formulation of curvature with convolution-based reconstruction of the field. We give concrete guidelines for implementing the methodology, and illustrate the importance of choosing accurate filters for computing derivatives with convolution. Curvature-based transfer functions are shown to extend the expressivity and utility of volume rendering through contributions in three different application areas: nonphotorealistic volume rendering, surface smoothing via anisotropic diffusion, and visualization of isosurface uncertainty.

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Authors
  • Kindlmann, Gordon
  • Whitaker, Ross
  • Tasdizen, Tolga
  • Möller, Torsten
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Supplemental Material
Shortfacts
Category
Paper in Conference Proceedings or in Workshop Proceedings (Full Paper in Proceedings)
Event Title
IEEE Visualization 2003 (Vis03)
Divisions
Visualization and Data Analysis
Subjects
Computergraphik
Event Location
Seattle
Event Type
Conference
Event Dates
October 19-24
Date
October 2003
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