Interactive visualization of magnetic field for virtual science experiments

Abstract

This paper presents a novel application of visualizing 3D magnetic field for virtual science experiments. The magnetic field is visualized as streamlines using view-dependent seed template and occlusion buffer. The template is updated according to the viewpoint/magnet movements and determines 3D seed positions. The occlusion buffer enables us to select a subset of the seeds which do not cause cluttered streamlines. Our method has been designed and implemented through teacher survey. A virtual experiment system is built upon the visualization method. It supports user interactions with magnets and compasses and visualizes the magnetic field at real time. The system was experimented in elementary school science classes. The evaluation results show that our method significantly improved the students' capabilities of presenting magnetic field.