Enhanced interfaces for parameter adjustment in volume rendering applications

Volume visualization involves the graphical processing and on-screen rendering of a volume dataset for the purposes of exploring, classifying and viewing information from the underlying data. Often, the manual adjustment of the various parameters involved in the rendering process can become a tedious task, especially given the ever increasing complexity of volume rendering applications. We attempt to optimize parameter control by providing the user with a-priori information on parameter behavior and stability. Our technique involves a screen-space analysis of the effect of parameter changes across the entire value domain. This is achieved through a combination of a custom image comparison metric and various means of information visualization, such as graphs or color mapping. We illustrate our technique by appropriately modifying frequently used interface elements, such as sliders or transfer function controls. We show how these new interface elements allow a more precise control of their respective parameters, as well as provide the user with information on parameter behavior and stability.