Cloud simulation in virtual environments

Abstract

In this paper, we present a new method of simulating and visualizing smoke and steam clouds in virtual environments (VEs). We use a particle system approach, but reduce the particle numbers to decrease the computation and rendering times. Special care, however is taken for the presentation quality of the clouds. From every viewing point (even within the clouds), the VE user does not have the impression that the clouds are hollow polyhedrons, but rather fuzzy objects.