A scientific visualization synthesizer
Roger Crawfis, Michael J. Allison · IEEE Visualization · 1991
We describe methods for displaying scientific data using textures and raster operations rather than geometric techniques. The flexibility and simplicity of raster operations allow a greater choice of visualization techniques with only a small set of basic operations. In addition, texture mapping techniques will be shown that allow the representation of several variables simultaneously, without a high degree of clutter. The combination of traditional geometric techniques, image composition techniques and image rendering techniques can be integrated into a single framework for the display of scientific data. This paper presents a system for generating and operating on textures and images for the purposes of scientific visualization. The advantages of using such a system are demonstrated through the use of examples. In particular, the development of bump maps for vector filters and contour lines is demonstrated.