Authors:
Joel Ogden
1
;
Jabari Jordan
1
;
Chelsey Krol
2
;
Tanya Papazian
3
;
Hans-Peter Bischof
1
and
Reynold Bailey
1
Affiliations:
1
Rochester Institute of Technology, United States
;
2
Mount Holyoke College, United States
;
3
Montclair State University, United States
Keyword(s):
Scientific Visualization, Maya, Spiegel.
Related
Ontology
Subjects/Areas/Topics:
Abstract Data Visualization
;
Computer Vision, Visualization and Computer Graphics
;
General Data Visualization
;
Graph Visualization
;
Interactive Visual Interfaces for Visualization
;
Interface and Interaction Techniques for Visualization
Abstract:
Generating photorealistic images of astrophysical simulations can enhance the experience of watching galactic visualizations for both the specialists who study the data and the average person who is simply interested in outer space. Unfortunately, the astrophysicist who is creating the simulations typically lacks the expertise required to generate photorealistic images. Likewise, a 3D artist may be unaware of the physics behind certain astrophysical events. We aim to use Spiegel, a user interface that controls the rendering of astrophysical data and Maya, a high end 3D animation program, to allow a non-artist to easily create renders of photorealistic images. Spiegel provides a user-friendly interface for controlling the creation of potentially complex rendering applications by individuals with little experience in computer programming. Since Spiegel’s basic visualization capabilities are limited to simple primitives like points and lines, it was necessary to develop an additional pr
ogram for Spiegel to interface with Maya’s 3D rendering capabilities. This software interface is called Miegel. Using Miegel, the astrophysicist now has access to Maya’s 3D rendering capabilities allowing them to create stunning visualizations of astrophysical phenomena. In addition, new artistic effects can be created with Maya in the form of presets, which can be integrated into the user’s visualization with minimal knowledge of computer programming.
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