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A rendering algorithm for visualizing 3D scalar fields

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Published:01 June 1988Publication History
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Abstract

This paper presents a ray tracing algorithm for rendering 3D scalar fields. An illumination model is developed in which the field is characterized as a varying density emittter with a single level of scattering. This model is equivalent to a particle system in which the particles are sufficiently small. Along each ray cast from the eye, the field is expressed as a function of the ray parameter. The algorithm computes properties of the field along the ray such as the attenuated intensity, the peak density, and the center of gravity, etc., These are mapped into HSV color space to produce an image for visualization.Images produced in this manner are perceived as a varying density 'cloud' where color highlights the computed attributes. The application of this technique is demonstrated for visualizing a three dimensional seismic data set.

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              cover image ACM SIGGRAPH Computer Graphics
              ACM SIGGRAPH Computer Graphics  Volume 22, Issue 4
              Aug. 1988
              330 pages
              ISSN:0097-8930
              DOI:10.1145/378456
              Issue’s Table of Contents
              • cover image ACM Conferences
                SIGGRAPH '88: Proceedings of the 15th annual conference on Computer graphics and interactive techniques
                August 1988
                356 pages
                ISBN:0897912756
                DOI:10.1145/54852

              Copyright © 1988 ACM

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              Publication History

              • Published: 1 June 1988

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