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Modelling Cumulus Cloud Shape from a Single Image
Author(s) -
Yuan Chunqiang,
Liang Xiaohui,
Hao Shiyu,
Qi Yue,
Zhao Qinping
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
computer graphics forum
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.578
H-Index - 120
eISSN - 1467-8659
pISSN - 0167-7055
DOI - 10.1111/cgf.12350
Subject(s) - cloud computing , computer science , pixel , surface (topology) , image (mathematics) , computer vision , artificial intelligence , algorithm , computer graphics (images) , geometry , mathematics , operating system
Clouds are important components of the fascinating natural images. However, extracting cloud shapes from images remains a challenging task. This paper presents a calculation method for estimating the shape of a cumulus cloud from a single image suitable for flight simulations and games. The shape of the cloud is assumed to be symmetric. Based on this assumption, the intensities of pixels are correlated with the geometry of a cloud's surface via a simplified single scattering model. A propagation scheme is designed to derive the surface progressively, and mesh editing techniques are used to improve the surface. Finally, the cloud is represented by a particle system. The results show that the proposed method can generate realistic cumulus clouds that are similar to those found in the images in terms of the shape distribution.