ECS 177 INTRODUCTION TO VISUALIZATION
(4) II
Lecture: 3 hours
Discussion: 1 hour
Prerequisites: Course ECS
175
Grading: Letter; programming assignments (50%), midterm (20%), final (30%)
Catalog Description:
Graphics techniques for generating images of various types of measured
or computer-simulated data. Typical applications for these graphics techniques
include study of air flows around car bodies, medical data, and molecular
structures.
Expanded Course Description:
- Grid Structures
Scientific data sets can be given without any given connectivity among
the data (scattered data) or on a so-called structured or unstructured
grid. Typical grids (rectilinear, curvilinear, prismatic, tetrahedral,
etc.) are discussed and appropriate data structures introduced.
- Basic Scalar Field Visualization
A variety of techniques for the visualization of scalar fields, i.e. functions
of the form f(x,y) and f(x,y,z), are discussed. Algorithms that will be
presented include contouring, slicing, and various ray casting (volume
rendering) techniques (Levoy's algorithm, Sabella's algorithm).
- Basic Vector Field Visualization
A variety of techniques for the visualization of vector fields, i.e.,
vector-valued functions of the form [u(x,y), v(x,y)] and [u(x,y,z), w(x,y,z)]
will be discussed. Algorithms that will be presented include the approzimation
and visualization of path, stream, streak, and time lines, surfaces, and
tubes
- Animation and Scientific Visualization
In order to study time-varying phenomena, it is essential to produce entire
image sequences of a particular data set for various time steps. In this
context, interpolation techniques are important for both the interpolation
of the given data set (in the time demension) and the resulting "frames."
Appropriate interpolation and animation methods will be discussed.
Textbook:
H. Hagen, H. Mueller, G.M. Nielson, Focus on Scientific Visualization, Springer-Verlag, New York, NY, 1990, ISBN 0-387-54940-4
Computer Usage:
The three to five programming projects that are assigned in this
course are meant to be used as modules of a visualization system.
- Grid Generation Techniques.
The student will study various grid structures through the implementation
of data structures for both unstructured and structured grids.
- Vector and Scalar Field Visualtion
The student will design and implement various visualization algorithms
relating to both scalar and vector fields.
Programming Projects:
The programming projects for this class are chosen to enhance the
lecture material in the course.
Engineering Design Statement:
The individual student taking this class will design and document
a visualization system that can be used to interactively analyze 2D and
3D scalar and vector fields that includes the most common methods as described
under the course outline. Students will continuously add functionality to
their systems during this course. Examinations include questions based on
design components of the course.
ABET Category Content:
Engineering Science: 2 units
Engineering Design: 2 units
Goals:
Students will:
- learn to design and implement a variety of 2D and 3D visualization tools for the analysis of scientific data and large information systems
Student Outcomes:
- An ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering
- An ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data
- An ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs within realistic constraints such as economic, environmental, social, political, ethical, health and safety, manufacturability, and sustainability
- An ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems
- An ability to communicate effectively
- The broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global, economic, environmental, and societal context
- A recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in life-long learning
- A knowledge of contemporary issues
- An ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice
Instructors: B.
Hamann, K. Joy, K. Ma
Prepared by: B. Hamann, K. Joy (Feb 1997)
Overlap Statement:
This course does not duplicate any existing course.
Back to Course Descriptions