moving iconic objects in scientific visualization
The visualization and interpretation of multidimensional data in space can be substantially enhanced by the introduction of independently moving visual objects. These bird-oid objects or "boids" [1], derive from: (1) "icons" which are geometric objects whose shape and appearance are related to the field variables, (2) 3-dimensional cursors by which a user interactively picks a point in space, (3) particle traces, which are numerically integrated trajectories in space, (4) moving frames of vectors along space curves, and (5) "actors" which are programming objects which can create and destroy instances of themselves, act according to internal logic, and communicate with each other and with a user. A software prototype in the C++ language has been developed which demonstrates some of the capabilities of these objects for the visualization of scalar, vector, and tensor fields defined over finite elements or finite volumes. Visualization using boids requires fewer rendered graphical primitives, allows a higher degree of interactivity, and permits automated "knowledge navigation" amid data which is organized spatially.
object visualization interpretation data space shape variability user interaction point traces integrability trajectories vectorization actors program intern logic communication software prototype language capabilities finite element graphics automation knowledge navigation scientific visualiztion