VISmaF: Synthetic Tree for Immersive Virtual Visualization in Smart Farming. Part I: Scientific Background Review and Model Proposal

Abstract

Computer-Generated Imagery (CGI) has received increasing interest in both research and the entertainment industry. Recent advancements in computer graphics allowed researchers and companies to create large-scale virtual environments with growing resolution and complexity. Among the different applications, the generation of biological assets is a relevant task that implies challenges due to the extreme complexity associated with natural structures. An example is represented by trees, whose composition made by thousands of leaves, branches, branchlets, and stems with oriented directions is hard to be modeled. Realistic 3D models of trees can be exploited for a wide range of applications including decision-making support, visualization of ecosystem changes over time, and for simple visualization purposes. In this review, we give an overview of the most common approaches used to generate 3D tree models, discussing both methodologies and available commercial software. We focus on strategies for modeling and rendering of plants, highlighting their accordance or not with botanical knowledge and biological models. We also present a proof of concept to link biological models and 3D rendering engines through Ordinary Differential Equations.

Parametrization of biological assumptions to simulate growth of tree branching architectures

“…They are capable of handling a wide range of growth and development processes, from microscopic cell division to macroscopic modeling of entire plant communities ( Makowski et al. 2019 , Louarn and Song 2020 , Crimaldi et al. 2021 ).…”

A Multiple Criteria Decision-Making Method Generated by the Space Colonization Algorithm for Automated Pruning Strategies of Trees

“…The detected structures are combined to form a tree. In a review, Crimaldi et al [8] gave an overview of the most common approaches used to generate 3D tree models, discussing both methodologies and available commercial software. He presented a study that proposes a biomathematical model for tree growth and presents a 3D output of its structure through a real-time 3Drendering environment (Unity©).…”

Advances and Sustainable Practices for the Rapidly Changing Field of Agronomy

“…The authors concluded by emphasizing the promising results of proximal imaging in the field of agriculture. In the framework of technology and computer-generated imagery, Crimaldi et al [11] overviewed the most diffused approaches that have been adopted to develop 3D tree models using functional-structural plant models and provided arguments for the methodologies and the available commercial software. They concentrated on approaches for rendering and modeling plants, focusing on their comparability with biological models and botanical knowledge (plant morphology, development and growth, and branching expression).…”