Parallel computing system for volumetric modeling, data processing and visualization volumetric

摘要

A parallel computing system producing, storing and processing voxel data elements in parallel within a three-dimensional memory storage array, and producing and buffering pixel data elements in parallel for use in volume visualization of the stored voxel data elements. The parallel computing system includes a system bus and a plurality of local computing units connected to the system bus. Each local computing unit has a local program storage memory for storing one or more local programs, including a local voxelization program, and RISC process for executing the local programs. A local memory storage module is operably connected to each local computing unit. A control computing unit is operably connected to the plurality of local computing units by way of the system bus, for coordinating (i.e., synchronizing) parallel execution of the local programs by the plurality of local computing units. During the voxelization, each local computing unit, executing its local voxelization program, locally produces voxel data elements representative of at least a portion of a 3-D-geometric object, and stores the same in its local memory module so that, collectively, the entire voxel data set stored in the memory storage array provides a voxel-based object corresponding to the 3-D geometric object being represented within the parallel computing system.