Real-time simulation and visualization of deformations on heightfields

Abstract

The applications of computer graphics raise new expectations, such as realistic rendering, real-time dynamic scenes and physically correct simulations. The aim of this thesis is to investigate these problems on the height eld structure, an extended 2D model that can be processed e ciently by data-parallel architectures. This thesis presents methods for simulation of deformations on height eld as caused by triangular objects, physical simulation of objects interacting with height eld and advanced visualization of deformations. The height eld is stored in two di erent resolutions to support fast rendering and precise physical simulations as required. The methods are implemented as part of a large-scale height- eld management system, which applies additional level of detail and culling optimizations for the proposed methods and data structures. The solutions provide real-time interaction and recent graphics hardware (GPU) capabilities are utilized to achieve real-time results. All the methods described in this thesis are demonstrated by a sample application and performance characteristics and results are presented to support the conclusions.