視覺化處理為工程後處理的重要項目,對於離散元素分析而言也是如此。若缺乏實用的視覺化工具,分析者便難以解析程式分析的結果,工作效率也就大為降低。對使用者而言,在各項視覺化的處理方法中,以利用圖形程式來輔助視覺化的進行最為便利。本研究的主要目的即在於發展一套以圖形程式輔助離散元素視覺化的工具。 本研究回顧相關視覺化圖形程式語言,針對語言的運作、圖形元件、編程結構、使用性等各個層面加以分析,取其優點並融入離散元素之視覺化需求,設計一套圖形程式工具-Venus Painter。這套工具以Dataflow為其執行模式,包含Box、Line及Port三種圖形編程元件,其弁鄐嬪O為Box轉換資料,Line代表資料的流向,而Port則連結Box與Line,負責傳遞資料。另外,針對離散元素分析輸出檔的特性,本研究亦設計了一資料解析器,便於使用者解析資料。 透過圖形編程,Venus Painter不僅可幫助使用者快速地完成手邊的視覺化工作,更可藉由編程所帶來的彈性提供視覺化之多樣性。除了基本視覺化處理外,Venus Painter亦提供了釵h便於使用的弁遄A如影像的儲存、動畫的製作、系統的展示等,使用者不須使用其他工具即可完成後續處理工作。經由實際測試,在低階筆記型電腦上,使用本工具來繪製具有一萬個離散元素以內的例子,可獲得接近即時的繪製速度及互動效果。
Data visualization plays a big role in the postprocessing of engineering analysis. Among the ways of visualization, visual programming is the most convenient choice. Thus, the main objective of this study is to develop a visualization tool for supporting postprocessing activity of discrete element method (DEM). The existing visual programming languages are reviewed, and the features suitable for DEM visualization are highlighted. Combining the features with other requirements for DEM visualization, we develop a visual programming system – Venus Painter. The system uses a dataflow execution model, and has three visual programming elements, including box, line, and port. Boxes transform the data. Lines represent the direction of data flow. Ports connect boxes and lines, which is responsible to transferring the data. Besides the visual programming environment, we also design a data parser for DEM output files. Venus Painter not only helps users complete the visualization tasks, but also provides many functionalities related to postprocessing analysis of DEM. The performance of Venus Painter is investigated. The tests show that the program can provide a real-time rendering capability for a system with 104 particles using a low-end notebook.