High-speed image display algorithm for 3-D grid data
Akio Doi, Akio Koide · Proceedings of SPIE, the International Society for Optical Engineering/Proceedings of SPIE · 1990
In this paper, we propose a high-speed and direct imaging algorithm for constructing equi-valued surfaces from 3D grid data in scientific and enneering fields. Our basic idea is to generate and draw polygons simultaneously by processing the cells spanned by grids in order of decreasing distance from the current viewpoint. Equi-valued surfaces are generated in five tetrahedrons into which the cells are subdivided, and are sent to a graphics device. The execution order of each of the tetrahedrons is identical and determined by the current viewpoint. Since the algorithm does not need a store of intermediate polyhedral data, depth calculation, or depth buffer memory for hidden surface removal, the user can get a quick response to changes of the view direction and of the surface constant C in interactive graphics. This algorithm is particularly powerful for imaging multiple surfaces associated with multiple surface constants in semi-transparent display.