A Portable Algorithm Visualization System for Geometric Computing

Algorithm visualization is a unique research topic that integrates engineering skills such as computer graphics, system programming, database management, computer networks, etc., to facilitate algorithmic researchers in testing their ideas, demonstrating new findings, and teaching in the classroom. Within the broad applications of algorithm visualization, there still remain performance issues that deserve further research, e.g., system portability, collaboration capability, and animation effect in 3D environments. Using modern technologies of Java programming, we develop an algorithm visualization and debugging system, dubbed “GeoBuilder”, for geometric computing. The GeoBuilder system is featured by Java's promising portability, engagement of collaboration in algorithm development, and “automatic camera positioning ” for tracking 3D geometric objects. In this thesis, we describe the design of the GeoBuilder system and demonstrate its applications