Using Distance Maps for Accurate Surface Representation in Sampled Volumes

High quality rendering and physics-based modeling in volume graphics have been limited because intensity-based volumetric data do not represent surfaces well. High spatial frequencies due to abrupt intensity changes at object surfaces result in jagged or terraced surfaces in rendered images. The use of a distance-to-closest-surface function to encode object surfaces is proposed. This function varies smoothly across surfaces and hence can be accurately reconstructed from sampled data. The zero-value iso-surface of the distance map yields the object surface and the derivative of the distance map yields the surface normal. Examples of rendered images are presented along with a new method for calculating distance maps from sampled binary data. This work may not be copied or reproduced in whole or in part for any commercial purpose. Permission to copy in whole or in part without payment of fee is granted for nonprofit educational and research purposes provided that all such whole or partia...

• Type: Conference
• Year: 1998
• Where: VVS
• Authors: Sarah F. Frisken Gibson
• Keywords: Electric Research Laboratories, Mitsubishi Electric Research, Object Surface, Visualization, VVS 1998