Particle animation and rendering using data parallel computation

ABSTRACT

Techniques are presented that are used to animate and render particle systems with the Connection Machine CM-2, a data parallel supercomputer. A particle behavior language provides an animator with levels of control from kinematic spline motions to physically based simulations. A parallel particle rendering system allows particles of different shapes, sizes, colors and transparencies to be rendered with antialiasing, hidden surfaces, and motion-blur. One virtual processor is assigned to each primitive data element: one to each particle, and during the rendering process, one to each pixel-sized particle fragment, and to each pixel. These tools are used to model dynamic phenomena such as wind, snow, water, and fire.

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INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  I. Computing Methodologies
  I.3 COMPUTER GRAPHICS
      I.3.7 Three-Dimensional Graphics and Realism
          Subjects: Animation

Additional Classification:
  C. Computer Systems Organization
  C.1 PROCESSOR ARCHITECTURES
      C.1.2 Multiple Data Stream Architectures (Multiprocessors)
          Subjects: Parallel processors**

  I. Computing Methodologies
  I.3 COMPUTER GRAPHICS
      I.3.5 Computational Geometry and Object Modeling
          Subjects: Curve, surface, solid, and object representations

General Terms:
Algorithms, Design, Languages