REAL-TIME PHYSICS DATA-VISUALIZATION SYSTEM USING PERFORMER

A data visualization system geared toward large (gigabyte or greater-t han-gigabyte) time-varying scientific data sets has been written. The system is a distributed multiprocessed application that employs techni ques used both in the video-game industry and military flight simulato rs to achieve real-time frame rates. On the computational side, the sy stem calculates vector fields, streamlines, isosurfaces, and cutplanes in real time. The graphics component employs strategic visual databas e decomposition and levels of detail to maintain a fast frame rate. Th is allows one to navigate through the data sets as they evolve tempora lly. (C) 1998 American Institute of Physics.