Visualizing relativistic effects in spacetime

• Main Authors: Hsiung, P.-K., Dunn, R. H. P.
• Format: Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Subjects: Applied computing > Physical sciences and engineering > Physics; Computing methodologies > Artificial intelligence > Computer vision; Computing methodologies > Artificial intelligence > Computer vision > Image and video acquisition > 3D imaging; Computing methodologies > Computer graphics > Animation; Computing methodologies > Computer graphics > Image manipulation; Computing methodologies > Computer graphics > Image manipulation > Image processing; Computing methodologies > Computer graphics > Shape modeling; Computing methodologies > Modeling and simulation; Relativistic effects; Theory of computation > Randomness, geometry and discrete structures; Theory of computation > Randomness, geometry and discrete structures > Computational geometry; Visualization
• DOI: 10.1145/76263.76331

We have developed an innovative ray-tracing algorithm to describe Relativistic Effects in SpaceTime ("REST"). Our algorithm, called REST-frame, simulates a generalized world in Spacetime and gives the fine details implicit in the Special Theory of Relativity that have not yet been made apparent. These novel simulations disclose the non-intuitive realm of Special Relativity and, by visualization means, advance beyond the findings of past revelations concerning relativistic effects. Through the application of state-of-the-art computation technology and simulation techniques to earlier quests in Physics, REST-frame offers a flexible visualization tool to study some of the most exciting aspects of the natural world; particularly, the rich visual properties associated with the finite speed of light.