VR TECHNIQUES FOR THE INVESTIGATION OF MOLECULE DATA

This paper describes a system for investigating molecule data. By mean s of combined Virtual Environment and Scientific Visualization techniq ues it allows for immersive exploration of individual molecules as wel l as for investigation of docking behaviour between two molecules. Spe cial emphasis is put on good interaction (simultaneous operation of tw o input devices with 6 degrees of freedom each, virtual menus), on fas t rendering of large molecules in high quality (level of detail, fast rendering of spheres, utilization of multiple rendering pipelines, sor ted triangle strips for transparent surfaces), and on other perceptual issues (e.g. judgement of position and size of molecules by shadows). The techniques which were realized for this system may also be used i n other applications like assembly tasks, virtual material testing, et c. (C) 1996 Elsevier Science Ltd