GI 2001 Online Papers

Interactive Volume Rendering based on a ``Bubble Model''

Balázs Csébfalvi and Eduard Gröller

Abstract

In this paper an interactive volume rendering technique is presented which is based on a novel visualization model. We call the basic method ``bubble model'' since iso-surfaces are rendered as thin semi-transparent membranes similarly to blown soap bubbles. The primary goal is to develop a fast previewing technique for volumetric data which does not require a time-consuming transfer function specification to visualize internal structures. Our approach uses a very simple rendering model controlled by only two parameters. We also present an interactive rotation technique which does not rely on any specialized hardware, therefore it can be widely used even on low-end machines. Due to the interactive display, fine tuning is also supported since the modification of the rendering parameters has an immediate visual feedback.

The Paper

PDF paper (562 Kb)

Additional material

• Engine block rendered using the bubble model. (182 Kb)
• Engine block rendered using the extended bubble model. (181 Kb)
• CT head rendered using the bubble model. (179 Kb)
• CT head rendered using the extended bubble model. (182 Kb)
• The graphics interface of the application. (54 Kb)