In this paper we have shown that the combination of a shared-memory multiprocessor architecture and a high-performance ray tracing implementation can be efficiently used for real-time walkthroughs of highly detailed, large-scale industrial CAD databases. One of the most pervasive problems in large-scale engineering projects is the difficulty in properly fitting all individual parts together. The prohibitively high investment of using physical mockups has led to pre-assembly being performed almost entirely digital. Unfortunately, the vast complexity of full CAD datasets is difficult to handle by available highend graphics hardware. Here we present a ray tracing based software system running on a scalable shared-memory architecture, which allows for realistic and interactive high-quality visualization and evaluation of huge CAD models. Special features like cutting planes, model interrogation, realistic shading, and collaborative remote visualization are also supported. We have demonstrated that even a complete model of a Boeing 777 aircraft can be handled without approximation, simplification, or rendering artifacts. Our system supports several features important for virtual design review sessions, like distance measurement, identification, interactive placement of individual model components, and sophisticated shading. Besides the ability to directly handle even highly complex models, a major advantage of ray-tracing is its ability to directly apply complex shading effects, some of which have been shown here. The proposed system is currently being evaluated at Boeing and SGI on how it can best be integrated into the digital design workflow of large scale engineering projects even more complex than the Boeing 777 program.
Next generation 3D graphics: Realism in realtime with realtime ray tracing
3D Graphiken der nächsten Generation: Realismus in Echtzeit mit Echtzeit Ray Tracing
2006
13 Seiten, 4 Bilder, 17 Quellen
Conference paper
English
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