Computer Science Department, University of California, Santa Cruz
Abstract:
We present three methods of visualizing tensor fields
that offer new ways of looking at tensor volumes.
All three methods are based on the interaction of
simulated light and the tensor field.
Conceptually,
rays are shot from a certain direction
into the tensor volume.
These rays are influenced by the surrounding
tensor field and bent as they traverse through the volume.
The tensor is visualized by both
the nature of the bent rays and by the collection
of rays deposited on a receiving plate.
The former is similar to streamlines, but shows
paths of greatest influence by the tensor field.
The latter is similar to caustic effects from photon maps,
but shows the convergence or divergence of the rays through
the tensor volume.
We also use the concept of treating the tensor volume
as a special lens that distorts an image.
Using backward ray tracing through the tensor volume,
we generate image distortions that also show internal
properties of the tensor field.
A key advantage of these techniques is that they can
work directly with non-symmetric tensor fields without
first decomposing them into components.
Paper:
A
pdf
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