Interactive Holographic 4D Visualization Multidimensional Structured Grid Data
Authors: Alharbi Badr , Alturki Ali , Alghamdi Amall 
Published: January 2020

Depth perception of 4D structured scientific and engineering data is one of the major challenges during the development of visualization applications. A limited depth perception does not convey the actual dimensions of the 4D structured data due to the limitations in data representation, visualization technologies, and hardware capabilities. If we are to focus on hardware technology, visualization applications have utilized several hardware solutions that have presented various imperfect user experience due to applicability, usability, and convenience of use for collaborative environments. To mention few of the restricting hardware technologies are 3D stereoscopic CAVEs, practical 3D screens, and Virtual Reality goggles. These solutions fall short in conveying proper depth perception. In this work, we investigate the applicability of an innovative holographic visualization technology that provide a better depth perception to visualize 4D multidimensional structured scientific and engineering data.

In this paper, a new visualization solution was developed and deployed on an innovative holographic technology platform for reservoir engineering and simulation. The development of this solution utilizes a customizable graphics engine and Looking Glass Holographic screen. Hydrocarbon reservoir grids consist of units (e.g. cells, layers and cross sections) that were used to evaluate the visualization capabilities of the Looking Glass. In addition to the basic visual functionality, several other important functionalities such as, property filters, navigation, time-series, and interactive hand gesture were also assessed. This new visualization technology was compared to the commonly used visualization applications (Hardware/Software) to identify value added, usability, applicability, and scalability for massive data. The assessment was conducted to quantify the benefits for both individual users and users in collaborative environments. 4D visualization of structured scientific and engineering data in holographic environment gives another dimension of looking at the data to allow in-depth investigation, immersive sense, perception of depth that were not possible before, and interactivity resembling physical manipulation. This new environment enriched the visualization of structured grid data by providing an elevated sense of virtual reality. Holographic visualization and Interactivity provided an overall better user experience in visual comprehension, navigation, and interrogation.

This paper demonstrates how capitalizing on such new and innovative hardware provided greater immersive visualization of 4D visualization of structured scientific and engineering data compared to current solutions available. The immersive visualization unveiled hidden information of fluid flow characteristics, reservoir structures and complex geological features interactively. Capitalizing on the main principles of the 4th Industrial Revolution (IR 4.0) by providing advanced visualization methods capable of presenting complex data to enhance understanding and comprehension to support decision making process.