Information

Abstract

In this paper, we introduce a novel framework for the compositing of interactively rendered 3D layers tailored to the needs of scientific illustration. Currently, traditional scientific illustrations are produced in a series of composition stages, combining different pictorial elements using 2D digital layering. Our approach extends the layer metaphor into 3D without giving up the advantages of 2D methods. The new compositing approach allows for effects such as selective transparency, occlusion overrides, and soft depth buffering. Furthermore, we show how common manipulation techniques such as masking can be integrated into this concept. These tools behave just like in 2D, but their influence extends beyond a single viewpoint. Since the presented approach makes no assumptions about the underlying rendering algorithms, layers can be generated based on polygonal geometry, volumetric data, pointbased representations, or others. Our implementation exploits current graphics hardware and permits real-time interaction and rendering.

Additional Files and Images

Additional images and videos:
Video 1 Video 1: Interactive demonstration
Video 2 Video 2: Computer-generated illustration of the reproductive system
Video 3 Video 3: Computer-generated illustration of the human liver
Additional files:
Preprint
Preprint




BibTeX

Download BibTeX-Entry
@article{bruckner-2010-HVC,
  title =      "Hybrid Visibility Compositing and Masking for Illustrative
               Rendering",
  author =     "Stefan Bruckner and Peter Rautek and Ivan Viola and Mike
               Roberts and Mario Costa Sousa and Meister Eduard
               Gr{\"o}ller",
  year =       "2010",
  abstract =   "In this paper, we introduce a novel framework for the
               compositing of interactively rendered 3D layers tailored to
               the needs of scientific illustration. Currently, traditional
               scientific illustrations are produced in a series of
               composition stages, combining different pictorial elements
               using 2D digital layering. Our approach extends the layer
               metaphor into 3D without giving up the advantages of 2D
               methods. The new compositing approach allows for effects
               such as selective transparency, occlusion overrides, and
               soft depth buffering. Furthermore, we show how common
               manipulation techniques such as masking can be integrated
               into this concept. These tools behave just like in 2D, but
               their influence extends beyond a single viewpoint. Since the
               presented approach makes no assumptions about the underlying
               rendering algorithms, layers can be generated based on
               polygonal geometry, volumetric data, pointbased
               representations, or others. Our implementation exploits
               current graphics hardware and permits real-time interaction
               and rendering.",
  pages =      "361--369",
  number =     "34",
  journal =    "Computers & Graphics",
  keywords =   "compositing, masking, illustration",
  URL =        "http://www.cg.tuwien.ac.at/research/publications/2010/bruckner-2010-HVC/",
}