A real-time three-dimensional graphics display
Ahj Sale, Allan G. Bromley · UTAS Research Repository · 1975
The visible surface problem for three dimensional objects is examined from a global point of view in which planar surfaces derived from convex three-dimensional objects are regarded as the natural display elements. By retaining global information on surface and object relationships it is possible to considerably simplify the resolution of visible surfaces for a large class of realistic objects. Implementation of this approach suggests a display in which surfaces written to the display device can overlay and obscure previous picture information in the manner of an oil painting. A display system is proposed in which this is implemented by a large buffer memory which holds a complete point-by-point description of the picture in low-cost MOS shift-registers. By combining new data to be entered in the memory in a variety of ways with the data already present, it is possible to considerably enhance the display�������¢����������������s capabilities. The buffer memory also allows an easy match of the display system to conventional (TV) video equipment.