DocumentCode :
1556588
Title :
Efficient Volume Exploration Using the Gaussian Mixture Model
Author :
Wang, Yunhai ; Chen, Wei ; Zhang, Jian ; Dong, Tingxing ; Shan, Guihua ; Chi, Xuebin
Author_Institution :
Super Comput. Center, Chinese Acad. of Sci., Beijing, China
Volume :
17
Issue :
11
fYear :
2011
Firstpage :
1560
Lastpage :
1573
Abstract :
The multidimensional transfer function is a flexible and effective tool for exploring volume data. However, designing an appropriate transfer function is a trial-and-error process and remains a challenge. In this paper, we propose a novel volume exploration scheme that explores volumetric structures in the feature space by modeling the space using the Gaussian mixture model (GMM). Our new approach has three distinctive advantages. First, an initial feature separation can be automatically achieved through GMM estimation. Second, the calculated Gaussians can be directly mapped to a set of elliptical transfer functions (ETFs), facilitating a fast pre-integrated volume rendering process. Third, an inexperienced user can flexibly manipulate the ETFs with the assistance of a suite of simple widgets, and discover potential features with several interactions. We further extend the GMM-based exploration scheme to time-varying data sets using an incremental GMM estimation algorithm. The algorithm estimates the GMM for one time step by using itself and the GMM generated from its previous steps. Sequentially applying the incremental algorithm to all time steps in a selected time interval yields a preliminary classification for each time step. In addition, the computed ETFs can be freely adjusted. The adjustments are then automatically propagated to other time steps. In this way, coherent user-guided exploration of a given time interval is achieved. Our GPU implementation demonstrates interactive performance and good scalability. The effectiveness of our approach is verified on several data sets.
Keywords :
Gaussian processes; computer graphic equipment; coprocessors; rendering (computer graphics); GMM-based exploration scheme; GPU implementation; Gaussian mixture model; elliptical transfer functions; incremental GMM estimation algorithm; multidimensional transfer function; volume exploration scheme; volume rendering process; Aerospace electronics; Estimation; Feature extraction; Histograms; Rendering (computer graphics); Solid modeling; Transfer functions; Gaussian mixture model; Volume classification; temporal coherence.; time-varying data; volume rendering;
fLanguage :
English
Journal_Title :
Visualization and Computer Graphics, IEEE Transactions on
Publisher :
ieee
ISSN :
1077-2626
Type :
jour
DOI :
10.1109/TVCG.2011.97
Filename :
5887324
Link To Document :
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