Front spreading on 3D surfaces

We present a method for simulating front propagation over 3D surfaces with arbitrary topology. Our approach, which can handle the simultaneous spreading of multiple fronts, is implemented by applying a level set method on the surface. A special data structure, called the surrounding grid, assists in advancing the fronts without triangulation or parameterization of the surface. The surrounding grid consists of discretized grid points in the vicinity of the surface. An enhanced distance field provides the bridge between the surrounding grid and the surfaces on which the fronts travel. By manipulating speed functions in the level set method, the front propagation dynamics can be conveniently controlled. We illustrate the applicability and flexibility of our method with three example applications: texture generation, water flooding, and fire propagation.