Most multimedia content today consists primarily of text, 2D images, video, and audio. Multimedia of the near future will additionally rely heavily on 3D graphics. The creation and use of 3D graphics in turn draws upon the two closely related disciplines of geometric design (the creation of the geometric objects), and computer graphics (the animation and display of the objects). These disciplines have been extraordinarily vibrant and diverse, with current applications including flight simulation, medical imaging, scientific visualization, computer-aided design, and entertainment. Results obtained in research laboratories over the past twenty years have given rise to a multi-billion dollar industry. The pending 3D graphics revolution is due in large part to impressive improvements in processor speeds and memory capacities. More impressive still are numerous algorithmic improvements that have opened up new application areas and have provided remarkable asymptotic reductions in both running time and memory requirements. Many of the algorithmic advances are based on mathematical methods such as wavelets, finite element analysis, Monte Carlo methods, and algebraic geometry. There is every reason to suspect that this trend can continue, so it is essential to stimulate collaboration between the mathematics and graphics communities. The goal of workshops 7 and 8 is to do just that.

Topics covered in this workshop:

Image synthesis, Radiometry, rendering equation, wavelet radiance
Image-based rendering
Modeling natural phenomena Terrain, plants, artificial life
Animation kinematics vs. dynamics, space-time constraints, simulation of cloth and skin
Compression and transmission
Vizualization-scientific/medical

WORKSHOP SCHEDULE

2000-2001 Program: Mathematics in Multimedia

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