A Framework for the Real-Time Walkthrough of Massive Models

We present a framework for rendering very large 3D models at nearly interactive rates. The framework scales with model size. Our framework can integrate multiple rendering acceleration techniques, including visibility culling, geometric levels of detail, and image-based approaches. We describe the database representation scheme for massive models used by the framework. We provide an effective pipeline to manage the allocation of system resources among different techniques. We demonstrate the system on a model of a coal-fired power plant composed of more than 15 million triangles. CR Categories and Subject Headings: H.2 – Database Management, I.3.3 – Picture/Image Generation (Display Algorithms), I.3.4 – Graphics Utilities (Application packages), I.3.6 – Methodology and Techniques (Graphics data structures), I.3.7 – Three-Dimensional Graphics and Realism (Virtual reality), J.2 – Physical Sciences and Engineering (Engineering), J.6 – Computer-Aided Engineering (Computer-aided design)