Data-parallel, volume-rendering algorithms

In this presentation, we consider the image-composition scheme for parallel volume rendering in which each processor is assigned a portion of the volume. A processor renders its data by using any existing volume-rendering algorithm. We describe one such parallel algorithm that also takes advantage of vector-processing capabilities. The resulting images from all processors are then combined (composited) in visibility order to form the final image. The major advantage of this approach is that, as viewing and shading parameters change, only 2D partial images, and not 3D volume data, are communicated among processors. Through experimental results and performance analysis, we show that our parallel algorithm is amenable to extremely efficient implementations on distributed memory, multiple instruction-multiple data (MIMD), vector-processor architectures. This algorithm is also very suitable for hardware implementation based on image composition architectures. It supports various volume-rendering algorithms, and it can be extended to provide load-balanced execution.

[1]  T. Todd Elvins,et al.  Volume rendering on a distributed memory parallel computer , 1992, Proceedings Visualization '92.

[2]  Raffaele Perego,et al.  Parallel volume visualization on a hypercube architecture , 1992, VVS.

[3]  Peter Schröder,et al.  Fast rotation of volume data on parallel architectures , 1991, Proceeding Visualization '91.

[4]  Philip K. Robertson,et al.  Volume rendering on the MasPar MP-1 , 1992, VVS.

[5]  Roni Yagel,et al.  4.2 Tetrahedra Intersection. 4 Implementation 3 Incremental Slice Computation 2 the Slicing-based Volume Rendering Algorithm 1.1 Voxel-space Methods Volume Rendering Polyhedral Grids by Incremental Slicing , 1993 .

[6]  John G. Eyles,et al.  PixelFlow: high-speed rendering using image composition , 1992, SIGGRAPH.

[7]  Marc Levoy,et al.  Display of surfaces from volume data , 1988, IEEE Computer Graphics and Applications.

[8]  Sanjay V. Rajopadhye,et al.  Mapping Divide-and-Conquer Algorithms to Parallel Architectures , 1990, ICPP.

[9]  Dan Gordon,et al.  Back-to-Front Display of Voxel Based Objects , 1985, IEEE Computer Graphics and Applications.

[10]  Charles D. Hansen,et al.  A data distributed, parallel algorithm for ray-traced volume rendering , 1993 .

[11]  Roni Yagel,et al.  Supercomputer assisted brain visualization with an extended ray tracer , 1992, VVS.

[12]  Marc Levoy,et al.  Volume rendering on scalable shared-memory MIMD architectures , 1992, VVS.

[13]  Pat Hanrahan,et al.  Pixel merging for object-parallel rendering: a distributed snooping algorithm , 1993 .

[14]  David S. Ebert,et al.  Rendering and animation of gaseous phenomena by combining fast volume and scanline A-buffer techniques , 1990, SIGGRAPH.

[15]  Paul Mackerras,et al.  Parallel volume rendering and data coherence , 1993 .

[16]  R. Yagel,et al.  Efficient feed-forward volume rendering techniques for vector and parallel processors , 1993, Supercomputing '93.

[17]  Lih-Shyang Chen,et al.  A dynamic screen technique for shaded graphics display of slice-represented objects , 1987, Comput. Vis. Graph. Image Process..

[18]  Ulrich Neumann.  Parallel volume-rendering algorithm performance on mesh-connected multicomputers , 1993 .

[19]  Peter Schr,et al.  Data parallel volume- rendering algorithms for interactive visualization , 1993 .

[20]  Tom Duff,et al.  Compositing digital images , 1984, SIGGRAPH.

[21]  M. F.,et al.  Bibliography , 1985, Experimental Gerontology.

[22]  Robert A. van de Geijn,et al.  Global combine on mesh architectures with wormhole routing , 1993, [1993] Proceedings Seventh International Parallel Processing Symposium.

[23]  P. Hanrahan.  Three-pass affine transforms for volume rendering , 1990, VVS.

[24]  Lee Westover,et al.  Footprint evaluation for volume rendering , 1990, SIGGRAPH.

[25]  R. Yagel,et al.  A survey of architectures for volume rendering , 1990, IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Magazine.

[26]  Craig Upson,et al.  V-buffer: visible volume rendering , 1988, SIGGRAPH.

[27]  Heang K. Tuy,et al.  Direct 2-D display of 3-D objects , 1984, IEEE Computer Graphics and Applications.

[28]  Ulrich Neumann.  Volume reconstruction and parallel rendering algorithms: a comparative analysis , 1993 .

[29]  A.K. Somani,et al.  2D and 3D optimal parallel image warping , 1993, [1993] Proceedings Seventh International Parallel Processing Symposium.