High-power graphic computers for visual simulation: A real-time-rendering revolution

Abstract

Advances in high-end graphics computers in the past decade have made it possible to render visual scenes of incredible complexity and realism in real time. These new capabilities make it possible to manipulate and investigate the interactions of observers with their visual world in ways once only dreamed of. This paper reviews how these developments have affected two preexisting domains of behavioral research (flight simulation and motion perception) and have created a new domain (virtual environment research) which provides tools and challenges for the perceptual psychologist. Finally,the current limitations of these technologies are considered, with an eye toward how perceptual psychologists might shape future developments.The past decade has witnessed, ifnot the birth, the infancy and childhood of the field of three-dimensional computer graphics. A milestone marking the field's development is the recent release of the first full-length, completely computer-generated feature film (Disney Studios' "Toy Story"). Equally remarkable are the advances made in real-time computer-generated imagery (CGI), Ten years ago, only a handful ofhigh-fidelity visual simulation systems existed in the world. These systems were honed for the small niche market of flight simulation. The cost ofacquiring and maintaining such systems was high; the accessibility of these facilities to the research community was minimal. However, as in all areas ofdigital computing and storage, the improvement in cost! performance over the past 10

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