RES: [Paraview] Newbie: contributing with an implementation of theSplatting algorithm

[Renato N. Elias]

Hi Jordi,

First of all I should tell you that I know nothing about what you told in
your post since I'm not a visualization guy. I'm just a CFD developer and a
^curious^ user of visualization tools. Therefore, forgive me if I'm only
wasting your time -- my intention was good ;o)

Some time ago I posted a message asking for some technique to visualize SPH
(Smoothed Particle Hydrodinamics) and DEM (Discrete Element Method) data. At
that time I got some answers addressing the visualization of particle data
within VTK ([1, 2]) using a splatting algorithm (take a look here
http://www.vtk.org/doc/nightly/html/classvtkGaussianSplatter.html)

[1] http://public.kitware.com/pipermail/paraview/2006-February/002550.html

[2] http://public.kitware.com/pipermail/paraview/2006-February/002547.html 

p.s.: Some guys from CSCS lab are working with particle data visualization
(http://www.cscs.ch/a-display.php?id=170). Once again, I don't know if this
software (Sparticles) uses something related to the splatting technique.

Regards

Renato N. Elias
============================
PhD Student
http://www.nacad.ufrj.br/~rnelias
High Performance Computing Center (NACAD)
Federal University of Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro, Brasil



-----Mensagem original-----
De: paraview-bounces+rnelias=nacad.ufrj.br at paraview.org
[mailto:paraview-bounces+rnelias=nacad.ufrj.br at paraview.org] Em nome de
Jordi Campos i Miralles
Enviada em: segunda-feira, 15 de janeiro de 2007 17:41
Para: paraview at paraview.org
Assunto: [Paraview] Newbie: contributing with an implementation of
theSplatting algorithm

Hi all,

I'm a PhD student [0] at Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya [1] and
Universitat de Barcelona [2], working on Volume Visualization at MoViBio
research group [3].

The research group has its own software system Hipovis [4], but I am
evaluating the possibility of using other software systems. Right now, I'm
evaluating using ParaView/VTK to test current research approaches on
Focus+Context Volume Visualization based on the Splatting algorithm [5].

As far as I know, VTK libraries does not offer the Volume Splatting
algorithm [6] and there are no available examples of implementing it using
VTK. However, I found references to works that use VTK to implement
Splatting approaches [7], but no code is available.



Hence, I have the following questions::::::::::::::::

A- Is there any VTK's architectural reason why the splatting algorithm does
not suit the VTK libraries? May be implementing the splatting algorithm
inside the VTK's pipeline architecture will not provide enough performance
to develop research activities, will it?

B- Although ParaView offers fast volume rendering (textures), precise v.r.
(RayCast) and both qualities v.r. (using VolumePro hw), will it be worth if
I work on adding the Splatting algorithm and Focus+Context features? (for me
it is worth because it is the basis of my thesis but I would like to know if
there are other people also interested in it).

C- If I want to be involved in VTK development to implement the Splatting
algorithm, which steps do you recommend me? From you experience, how long
does it take to a PhD student (with C++ and graphics knowledge) to get
involved with the project and develop new code? (I know this is a generic
question, but I need some estimation). I already bought the two books
[8][9], reviewed the coding standards [10] and subscribed to the list.

D- If I want to be involved in ParaView development to use the Splatting
algorithm and implement Focus+Context features, which steps do you recommend
me?  From you experience, how long does it take to a PhD student (with C++
and graphics knowledge) to get involved with the project and develop new
code? (I know this is a generic question, but I need some estimation). I
already ordered the book [11] and subscribed to the list.

E- Which are the good and bad points of ParaView/VTK versus VolumeShop [12]?
It seems VolumeShop is not really open source (and we are looking an open
source project to get involved), it is mainly used on MsWindows platforms
(and we are interested in a multi-platform environment), and it does not
provide parallel rendering.

F- Which are the good and bad points of ParaView/VTK versus VolView [13]?




I would like to known your opinion about these questions and any other
possible important factors you think I should pay attention.



Thank you very much in advance.


jor;)i



PD: I already have sent a similar post to VTK's list, specifically about
VTK's issues.


References:
[0] http://truja.lsi.upc.edu/movibio/Members/jordi
[1] http://www.upc.es
[2] http://www.ub.edu
[3] http://truja.lsi.upc.edu/movibio
[4] http://truja.lsi.upc.edu/movibio/ResearchLines/soft
[5] Lee Westover: Interactive volume rendering, 1989 [6]
http://public.kitware.com/pipermail/vtkusers/2001-January/055005.html
[7] Zwicker, Pfister, Baar and Markus Gross: EWA volume splatting, 2001 [8]
The Visualization Toolkit An Object-Oriented Approach To 3D Graphics [9] VTK
User's Guide [10] http://www.vtk.org/Wiki/VTK_Coding_Standards
[11] ParaView User's Guide
[12] http://www.cg.tuwien.ac.at/volumeshop
[13] http://www.volview.com

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