A Characterization of Ten Hidden-Surface Algorithms
ACM Computing Surveys (CSUR)
Communications of the ACM
| Hi-index | 0.00 |
The development of a colour perspective system for the representation of buildings creates different problems from those systems used to represent machine parts, etc. Realism is an important criterion because many users are naive with regard to computers and because they are used to sophisticated representations of buildings (e.g. photographs, rendered perspectives and physical models). The clients of architects are also interested in the realistic representation of the form of their buildings as are the planning authorities who must approve new developments. As part of a system to produce coloured views of buildings under sunlight and skylight conditions, this paper discusses the problems of colour shading on a Tektronix 4027 type VDT and the process used for hidden surface elimination, both using APL. In detail the paper explores the unique advantages of APL in implementing a modified Newell, Newell and Sancha algorithm for hidden surface elimination. In addition, it discusses the limitations of colour representation on the 4027 and proposes a technique for producing shading of polygons based on single hues and pattern generations, in order to produce realistic modelling of objects which have a single surface colour.