| Computer graphics models are typically represented as a collection of polygons or spline patches. Such models only describe the geometry and attributes on the surface of the objects which they represent. Since these models are hollow, interactions which break or deform an object require special consideration. Various natural phenomena such as clouds, smoke and water cannot be easily represented using surface based models. An alternative is to use a volumetric representation of objects. Volumetric models can describe the interior properties of objects. These properties can be both physical and optical, which makes it possible to model accurate deformations and light interactions for realistic representation of natural phenomena. Volume graphics focuses on the modeling, manipulation and rendering of volumetric objects.; The task of volume modeling, manipulation and deformation is particularly difficult owing to the enormous size of volumetric models. Our research has model into a skeleton using a parameter-controlled thinning algorithm. Control of a single thinness parameter allows the skeleton to be represented at various density levels. We then demonstrate the versatility of our multi-scale skeleton by applying it for a variety of operations on volumetric models. These operations include deformation, animation, collision detection, navigation and tracking. Existing algorithms for these operations on volumetric models are either unrealistic, or are specific to a single operation. Our skeleton representation provides a unified framework for many common operations on volumetric models. Furthermore, based animation and collision detection, making it compatible with commercial packages and toolkits. |
