3D scan-conversion algorithms for voxel-based graphics

Arie Kaufman, Eyal Shimony

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

145 Scopus citations

Abstract

An assortment of algorithms, termed three-dimensional (3D) scan-conversion algorithms, is presented. These algorithms scan-convert 3D geometric objects into their discrete voxel-map representation within a Cubic Frame Buffer (CFB). The geometric objects that are studied here include three-dimensional lines, polygons (optionally filled), polyhedra (optionally filled), cubic parametric curves, bicubic parametric surface patches, circles (optionally filled), and quadratic objects (optionally filled) like those used in constructive solid geometry: cylinders, cones, and spheres. All algorithms presented here do scan-conversion with computational complexity which is linear in the number of voxels written to the CFB. All algorithms are incremental and use only additions, subtractions, tests and simpler operations inside the inner algorithm loops. Since the algorithms are basically sequential, the temporal complexity is also linear. However, the polyhedron-fill and sphere-fill algorithms have less than linear temporal complexity, as they use a mechanism for writing a voxel run into the CFB. The temporal complexity would then be linear with the number of pixels in the object's 2D projection. All algorithms have been implemented as part of the CUBE Architecture, which is a voxel-based system for 3D graphics. The CUBE architecture is also presented.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings of the 1986 Workshop on Interactive 3D Graphics, I3D 1986
EditorsFrank Crow, Stephen M. Pizer
PublisherAssociation for Computing Machinery, Inc
Pages45-75
Number of pages31
ISBN (Electronic)0897912284, 9780897912280
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Jan 1987
Event1986 Workshop on Interactive 3D Graphics, I3D 1986 - Chapel Hill, United States
Duration: 22 Oct 198624 Oct 1986

Publication series

NameProceedings of the 1986 Workshop on Interactive 3D Graphics, I3D 1986
Volume1987-January

Conference

Conference1986 Workshop on Interactive 3D Graphics, I3D 1986
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityChapel Hill
Period22/10/8624/10/86

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Computer Graphics and Computer-Aided Design
  • Software
  • Human-Computer Interaction

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