Visualizing Very Large Image Data Sets At Interactive Rates

Abstract

This paper presents a system for real-time visualization of very large image data sets using ondemand loading and dynamic view prediction. We use a robust image representation scheme for efficient adaptive rendering and introduce a fast perspective view generation module to extend the applicability of the system to panoramic images. We demonstrate the effectiveness of the system by applying it both to imagery that does not require perspective correction and to very large panoramic data sets requiring perspective view generation. Furthermore, we extend and generalize the system to enable a wide range of applications. In a broad set of applications, the system permits smooth, real-time interactive navigation of very large panoramic and non-panoramic image data sets on average personal computers without the use of specialized hardware.