Reliable space leaping using distance template

Abstract

Several optimization techniques for direct volume rendering have been proposed since its rendering speed is too slow. An acceleration method using min-max map requires a little preprocessing and additional data structures while preserving image quality. However, we have to calculate accurate distance from current point to the boundary of a min-max block to skip over empty space. Unfortunately the cost for evaluating the distance is so expensive. In this paper, we propose reliable space leaping method to jump to the boundary of current block using pre-calculated distance template. A template can be reused for entire volume since it is independent on viewing conditions. Our algorithm reduced rendering time in comparison to conventional min-max map based volume ray casting. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2004.