Abstract

Perceptually-based Image Synthesis

Jim Ferwerda

Program of Computer Graphics

Cornell University

Abstract

The goal of realistic image synthesis is to produce images that are faithful representations of real or modeled scenes. Over the past 30 years great progress has been made toward this goal with the development of physically-based algorithms that accurately simulate the propagation of light in complex environments. Physically-based image synthesis has the potential to revolutionize the use of computer graphics in science, engineering, medicine, and other fields, because the images can be both accurate physical simulations and predictive visual representations of important phenomena. Unfortunately, several problems have limited its wider acceptance. First, modeling a scene can be a difficult and labor intensive process. Second, rendering algorithms are computationally expensive and can take hours to generate even a single image. Finally, once images have been generated, there is often no way to accurately display them on conventional devices. In this talk I will first describe research that addresses these problems by incorporating computational models of human vision into the image synthesis process. I will then discuss how we are using these perceptually-based image synthesis techniques to develop new tools for the detection, simulation, and remediation of visual impairments.