Visible-surface determination is the process of determining which parts of the visible objects are visible from a particular viewpoint. Common algorithms include Z-buffering, space partitioning, and ray tracing. Understandably, there is a lot of active research in the area of improved visible-surface determination algorithms. Animation Animation means, literally, bringing to life. Rather than a static picture of a scene, animation allows a system to change, whether that change is caused by the passage of time or by actions taken by agents in the scene.
Animation is key to the interaction capabilities of virtual environments.
Educational Background Computer graphics in general, and rendering and animation in particular, require a strong background in mathematics and computer algorithms. Rendering algorithms require knowledge of affine and projective geometry, linear algebra, and various models of light and color. Animation requires a good understanding of continuous mathematics. Good animation also requires the use of some form of physical modeling, to represent the effects of gravity and interaction between objects.