Remote interactive visualization and analysis (RIVA) using parallel supercomputers

Abstract

JPL's Remote Interactive Visualization and Analysis System (RIVA) is described in detail. RIVA's kernel is a highly scalable perspective renderer tailored especially for the demands of large datasets beyond the sensible reach of workstations. The algorithmic details of this renderer are described, particularly the aspects key to achieving the algorithm's overall scalability. The paper summarizes the performance achieved for machine sizes up to more than 500 nodes and for initial input image/terrain bases of up to a gigabyte. The RIVA system integrates workstation graphics, massively parallel computing technology, and gigabit communication networks to provide a flexible interactive environment for scientific data perusal, analysis and visualization. Early experience with using RIVA to interactively explore multivariate datasets is reported and some example results given.