Image generator for generating perspective views from data defining a model having opaque and translucent features

摘要

An apparatus for generating an image from data defining a model including a plurality of opaque and translucent features. The image is intended to represent a view of the model from a predetermined eyepoint and is made up from an array of screen space pixels. The image area is divided into an array of sub-areas each of which covers at least one pixel. For each feature in the model that is potentially visible from the eyepoint, a test is conducted to determine which of the sub-areas is at least partially covered by that feature. For each feature which covers a sampling point, a function of the distance from the eyepoint to that feature at the sampling point is determined. An output for each pixel within a sub-area is produced, the pixel output corresponding to the combined effects of the sampling point outputs for all sampling points which contribute to that pixel, and the pixel outputs are displayed.