A generic rendering system

Describes the software architecture of a rendering system that follows a pragmatic approach to integrating and bundling the power of different low-level rendering systems within an object-oriented framework. The generic rendering system provides higher-level abstractions to existing rendering systems and serves as a framework for developing new rendering techniques. It wraps the functionality of several widely-used rendering systems, defines a unified object-oriented application programming interface and provides an extensible, customizable apparatus for evaluating and interpreting hierarchical scene information. As a fundamental property, individual features of a specific rendering system can be integrated into the generic rending system in a transparent way. The system is based on a state machine, called an "engine", which operates on "rendering components". Four major categories of rendering components constitute the generic rendering system: "shapes" represent geometries, "attributes" specify properties assigned to geometries and scenes, "handlers" encapsulate rendering algorithms, and "techniques" represent evaluation strategies for rendering components. As a proof of concept, we have implemented the described software architecture using the Virtual Rendering System, which currently wraps the functionality of the OpenGL, Radiance, POV Ray and RenderMan systems     

Depicting dynamics using principles of visual art and narrations

In visual art, a single static image frequently represents much more than projected 3D scenery. Artists include subtle visual elements outlining movements, indicating past or future events, sketching ongoing activities, or guiding the observer's attention. Artists have found ways to visualize physical as well as nonphysical dynamics of scenes using graphics techniques. In a sense, we can consider these smart depictions - a form of expressive, visual content adopting the styles of visual art and abstraction techniques. These depictions can serve, for example, as pictograms and signs that advise and assist people. They're also present in comic books and storyboards that effectively present dynamics and narrate sequential processes. Taking smart depictions a step further, we created a system that automatically generates smart, compelling images of 3D scenes that depict dynamics following traditional design principles of visual art, visual narrations, and graphic design, such as those found in comic books and storyboards. These media offer a rich vocabulary of visual art deployed as techniques to facilitate visual communication of a wealth of activities and events in static images. In particular, we can symbolize in a single, static image past, ongoing, and future activities as well as events taking place in 3D scenes. Additionally, we can take into account nonvisual information.