A Texture Mapping Approach for the Visualization of Special Relativity
Daniel Weiskopf · 1999
This paper describes a novel rendering technique for the special relativistic visualization of the apparent geometry of fast moving objects. This method is based on the relativistic aberration of light and makes use of texture mapping. Interactive frame rates are possible, since texture mapping is supported by modern graphics hardware. Unlike the well-known relativistic polygon rendering approach, the texture-based relativistic rendering allows for a physically correct treatment of the geometric quantities that effect the calculation of illumination. Furthermore, no artifacts due to relativistic transformations are introduced. CR Categories: I.3.7 [Computer Graphics]: Three-Dimensional Graphics and Realism—Color, shading, shadowing, and texture I.3.8 [Computer Graphics]: Applications—Special Relativity J.2 [Physical Sciences and Engineering]: Theoretical Astrophysics