Voxel-Based Flight Simulation - Summary
This research deals with the representation and realistic visualization of three-dimensional (3D) objects in terrain scenes using a volumetric (voxel-based) approach, called volume graphics. We have been developing a system for modeling photo-realistic voxel-based synthetic objects in terrain scenes, stationary or mobile, coupled with mechanisms for generating perspective views to support fly-by capabilities.The system caters to real-time applications, such as real-time retargeting, in which the scene is rapidly modified as new information arrives. Unlike conventional computer graphics techniques, which employ continuous surfaces for 3D object representation, in volume graphics a 3D object is discretized (voxelized) in a preprocessing stage generating a view-independent volume buffer of voxels, which then becomes amenable to faster volume manipulation and rendering.
This project involves the study and development of volume graphics techniques for the modeling, manipulation, and rendering of enhanced dynamic terrain scenes to support real-time fly-by. Specifically, we have been developing volume-sampled voxelization techniques for synthesizing smooth voxel-based multi-resolution models of objects, and the associated interactive modeling of such objects.
Current research tasks include:
We have also studied manipulation techniques of volume graphics objects, such as moving vehicles on top of the terrain, and to investigate a hierarchical collision detection algorithm.
Finally, we are working on developing efficient local and global illumination and rendering techniques for the volume-sampled scenes.