Multi-scale Visualization of Molecular Architecture Using Real-Time Ambient Occlusion in Sculptor.

ABSTRACT: The modeling of large biomolecular assemblies relies on an efficient rendering of their hierarchical architecture across a wide range of spatial level of detail. We describe a paradigm shift currently under way in computer graphics towards the use of more realistic global illumination models, and we apply the so-called ambient occlusion approach to our open-source multi-scale modeling program, Sculptor. While there are many other higher quality global illumination approaches going all the way up to full GPU-accelerated ray tracing, they do not provide size-specificity of the features they shade. Ambient occlusion is an aspect of global lighting that offers great visual benefits and powerful user customization. By estimating how other molecular shape features affect the reception of light a

SUBMITTER: Wahle M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4623981 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature