Flow visualization in 3D is challenging due to perceptual problems such as occlusion, lack of directional cues, lack of depth cues, and visual complexity. In this paper we present an interaction technique that addresses these special problems for 3D flow visualization. The feature we present, a streamrunner, gives the user interactive control over the evolution of streamlines from the time they are seeds until they reach their full length. The interactive streamrunner control minimizes occlusion and visual complexity and maximizes directional and depth cues for 3D flow visualization. Combined with our other interactive 3D flow visualization tools, the streamrunner gives a brand new level of control to the user investigating the vector field.

This image illustrates some problems with 3D flow visualization including occlusion, over-complexity, and lack of directional cues.

This image shows stream seeds as short pipe segments including a wire frame CFD emission model as context information. In this way occlusion and image complexity are minimized.

a streamrunner shown in the wire frame context of two connecting pipes of an intake port from CFD

a streamrunner shown in the semi-transparent context of the combustion chamber of an intake port from CFD

a streamrunner seeded with a seeding plane

another example of a streamrunner used in conjunction with a seeding plane

a streamrunner and texture advected streamtubes