Patent ID: 6456285
Filing Date: 2002-09-24
Classification: G06T

Abstract:
In a computer system, a method of efficiently rendering a complex scene, said complex scene including a plurality of non-opaque objects, the method comprising the steps of:a) designating a first set of said plurality of non-opaque objects as potential occluders and designating a second set of said plurality of non-opaque objects as potential occludees; b) providing a number that represents the minimum number of layers of overlapping translucent polygons determined to produce an occlusion effect; c) storing a plurality of Z-maps that include Z-values, each of said Z-maps corresponding to a depth-level of said potential occluders, the number of Z maps equal to the minimum number of layers of overlapping translucent polygons determined to produce an occlusion effect provided in step b); d) determining whether a respective one of said potential occludees is hidden behind said potential occluders by comparing Z-values of said respective potential occludee against said Z-values within said Z-maps; and e) culling said potential occludee when said potential occludee is hidden behind said potential occluders.