Simulating visual systems using NPR techniques: methodology, framework, and case studies.
Date
2012-04-16
Authors
Long, Jeremy
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Abstract
In this dissertation I examine how research in non-photorealistic rendering, human
perception, and game-based learning can be combined to produce illustrative simulations of different visual systems that effectively convey information about vision to unprimed observers. The Visual Differences Simulation (VDS) methodology and framework that I propose is capable of producing simulations of animal visual systems based on how they relate to human vision, and can represent differences in color vision, hyperspectral sensitivity, visual acuity, light sensitivity, field of view, motion sensitivity, and eye construction. The simulations produced by the VDS framework
run in real time, allowing users to explore computer-generated environments from `behind the eyes' of an animal in an interactive and immersive manner. I also examine how cognitive principles and game-based learning can be leveraged to demonstrate and enhance the educational impact of the simulations produced by the VDS framework. Two case studies are presented, where simulations of the cat and the bee visual systems are used as the basis to design educational games, and are evaluated to show that embedding the simulations in educational games is an effective and engaging way to convey information about vision to unprimed observers.
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Keywords
computer graphics, non-photorealistic rendering, game-based learning