D-Buffer : a new hidden-line algorithm in image-space

Dong, Xiaomin (1999) D-Buffer : a new hidden-line algorithm in image-space. Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

[English] PDF (Migrated (PDF/A Conversion) from original format: (application/pdf)) - Accepted Version Available under License - The author retains copyright ownership and moral rights in this thesis. Neither the thesis nor substantial extracts from it may be printed or otherwise reproduced without the author's permission. Download (7MB) [English] PDF - Accepted Version Available under License - The author retains copyright ownership and moral rights in this thesis. Neither the thesis nor substantial extracts from it may be printed or otherwise reproduced without the author's permission. (Original Version)

Abstract

In many applications such as computer-aided design (CAD), drafting, descriptive geometry, geometric modeling, computer animation, and virtual reality, etc.. real-time or time-critical rendering is required by three-dimensional interaction and manipulation to provide adequate information of complex objects. Traditionally, rendering techniques can be discussed in two major categories: shaded mode and wireframe mode. While shaded rendering algorithms create more realistic pictures, wireframe techniques are more efficient for generating line-drawing images that are often more informative. In wireframe images, it is preferred to display the hidden-lines in a special style to distinguish them from ordinary visible lines. Thus hidden-line algorithms are needed. Though object-space hidden-line algorithms are widely adopted for showing hidden-lines in distinctive styles, image-space algorithms have the advantages of rendering speed and processable shapes for their simplicity. This thesis develops a new image-space algorithm based on the traditional Z-Buffer algorithm to recover the information loss caused by hidden-line removal. This D-Buffer algorithm improves the Z-Buffer algorithm by drawing the hidden-lines in dotted or dashed style rather than removing them, hence retrieving the concealed information. Some image processing techniques, such as neighborhood operations, are used to generate the dotted or dashed lines. The D-Buffer algorithm is not only as efficient as other image-space algorithms, but is also capable of disclosing more inner structure information for a wide range of three-dimensional objects.

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