We introduce a new concept, called "vision-realistic rendering", a three-dimensional rendering algorithm that simulates the vision of a subject whose optical system is measured using wavefront aberrometry.

The algorithm uses an input depth map to stratify an initial image into disjoint depth plane images, extends these depth plane images, convolves them with a special object-space blur filter, and composites them to form a final vision-realistic rendered image.

Vision-realistic rendering has many applications in optometry and ophthalmology. Such images could be shown to a patient's eye doctor to convey the specific visual anomalies of the patient. Also, images could be generated using the optics of various ocular conditions, which would be valuable in educating doctors and patients about the specific visual effects of these vision disorders. Furthermore, with the increasing popularity of vision correction surgeries such as PRK (photorefractive keratectomy) and LASIK (laser in-situ keratomileusis), our technique could be used to convey to doctors what the vision of a patient is like before and after surgery, using wavefront aberrometry measured pre- and post-operatively. In addition, by using modeled or simulated wavefront measurements, this approach could provide accurate and revealing medical visualizations of predicted visual acuity and of simulated vision; such simulations could be shown to potential candidates for such surgery to enable them to make more educated decisions regarding undergoing the procedure.

Vision-realistic rendering also has applications in image synthesis and computer animation. It is important to note that the creation of such images based on camera optics follows as a special case of our algorithm. Thus, our approach could be used as a post-process to simulate camera model effects such as depth of field in the generation of synthetic images and computer animation.

Friday, January 18, 2002 at 4pm in DH 1070
A reception will precede the talk at 3:30 p.m. in DH 3076

About Brian A. Barksy

Brian A. Barsky is Professor of Computer Science and Affiliate Professor of Optometry and Vision Science at the University of California at Berkeley. He is a member of the Bioengineering Graduate Group, an interdisciplinary and inter-campus program, between UC Berkeley and UC San Francisco.

His research interests include computer aided geometric design and modeling, interactive three-dimensional computer graphics, visualization in scientific computing, computer aided cornea modeling and visualization, medical imaging, and virtual environments for surgical simulation.

Barksy has been working in spline curve/surface representation and their applications in computer graphics and geometric modeling for many years. He is applying his knowledge of curve/surface representations as well as his computer graphics experience to improving videokeratography and corneal topographic mapping, forming a mathematical model of the cornea, providing computer visualization of patients' corneas to clinicians, and developing new techniques for contact lens design and fabrication. This research forms the OPTICAL (OPtics and Topography Involving Cornea and Lens) project.

He is a co-author of the book, "An Introduction to Splines for Use in Computer Graphics and Geometric Modeling", co-editor of the book, "Making Them Move: Mechanics, Control, and Animation of Articulated Figures", and author of the book, "Computer Graphics and Geometric Modeling Using Beta-splines". He has published 100 technical articles in this field.