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

  • Authors:
  • Gordon Kindlmann;Ross Whitaker;Tolga Tasdizen;Torsten Moller

  • Affiliations:
  • University of Utah;University of Utah;University of Utah;Simon Fraser University

  • Venue:
  • Proceedings of the 14th IEEE Visualization 2003 (VIS'03)
  • Year:
  • 2003

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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: non-photorealistic volume rendering, surface smoothing via anisotropic diffusion, and visualization of isosurface uncertainty.