Tensor volume exploration using attribute space representatives

• While volume rendering for scalar fields has been advanced into a powerful visualisation method, similar volumetric representations for tensor fields are still rare. The complexity of the data challenges not only the rendering but also the design of the transfer function. In this paper we propose an interface using glyph widgets to design a transfer function for the rendering of tensor data sets. Thereby the transfer function (TF) controls a volume rendering which represents sought after tensor-features and a texture that conveys directional information. The basis of the design interface is a two-dimensional projection of the attribute space. Characteristic representatives in the form of glyphs support an intuitive navigation through the attribute space. We provide three different options to select the representatives: automatic selection based on attribute space clustering, uniform sampling of the attribute space, or manually selected representatives. In contrast to glyphs placed into the 3D volume, we use glyphs with complex geometry as widgets to control the shape and extent of the representatives. In the final rendering the glyphs with their assigned colors play a similar role as a legend in an atlas like representation. The method provides an overview of the tensor field in the 3D volume at the same time as it allows the user to explore the tensor field in an attribute space. We demonstrate the flexibility of our approach on tensor fields for selected data sets with very different characteristics.

Ämnesord

NATURVETENSKAP  -- Data- och informationsvetenskap -- Medieteknik (hsv//swe)

NATURAL SCIENCES  -- Computer and Information Sciences -- Media and Communication Technology (hsv//eng)

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