Self-Scheduled Parallel Isosurfacing using Distributed Span Space on Cell

Abstract

A method designed for fast isosurfacing on Cell platforms is introduced. It well-utilizes limited amounts of local memory by exploiting a block-based span space. Exploitation goes beyond the usual steps of avoiding span space tiles whose range does not contain the isovalue. In particular, the method keeps resident in local memories most span space information in addition to the parts of the volume most likely to be examined if multiple isovalues are explored. The method also performs distributed self-scheduling of isosurfacing work among the Cell's Synergistic Processing Units (SPUs) without explicit centralized computation of workload or assignment of work. Results are also presented for trials on the Playstation-3, including comparison to another fast, parallel isosufacing method (which is faster than prior reported parallel methods on Cell).