Algorithms for rendering complex and shaded animation sequences are described. The target display device for these image rendering algorithms is a multichannel display based on the superposing technique realized in hardware. An animation sequence is displayed by superposing a dynamic foreground on a static background. The static background can be a very complex scene, and the dynamic foreground can be an image with a simple to medium complexity. These two algorithms were developed based on raytracing.>

A description is given of a volume sorting hidden-surface removal algorithm that is analogous to the list-priority algorithm but computes the definitive drawing list for volumetric objects rather than for polygons. The algorithm is implemented by using a bounding volume technique that simplifies the volume sorting. Bounding volumes can be further organized into a hierarchical structure to achieve a linear computational complexity.>

No abstract available.

Earlier work on real-time display of planar polygonal three-dimensional object scenes is extended to the inclusion of repetitive curved surfaces. In earlier work the visible scene components were calculated and reduced to scan line encoded image segments to generate real-time cartoons. That work was limited to visible planar surface elements because of the display algorithms employed. Display time is limited to 33 ms so that scan-interlaced TV may be used. Curved surfaces would normally be approximated by a large number of facets; however, Mach effect's faceting of the surface will occur for all but the simplest cases. Point by point curved surface shading is examined in detail so that special hardware may be defined for displaying the visible surface parts in 33 ms. The hardware concepts employed can be extended to other simple curvatures that appear repeatedly in a visible scene. CONTENT INDICATORS: 3.13, 6.22, 6.35, 6.4, 3.89.

A television-based computer display system is described which uses a minicomputer to calculate scan lines of the display image. A display resolution of 512 lines by 512 positions is achieved with each position definable with 15 bits of color information (over 32,000 colors). The scan conversion process incorporates hidden surface removal, calculation of intersections, surface shading and, optionally, perspective. Object description must be by polygonal planar surfaces; the surfaces can have a solid color and are considered opaque. Object complexity is limited only by main storage size.The design criteria which motivated the system architecture are discussed along with pertinent details on the particular implementation. The system described effectively mates minicomputer technology with that of the television industry to produce an economical, fast turnaround, color display system for 2-D and 3-D computer graphics. This system relies upon a special scan-line generator and upon a skillful hardware/software trade-off to achieve an economical and realistic color display device.Performance data and examples of display objects are given.

A detailed study of the basic operations of scan graphics processes led to the design of this general-purpose expandable processor. Full advantage is taken of evolving trends in ECL technology and large-scale integrated circuits. The design allocates hardwired instructions to critical display functions and provides general-purpose flexibility in externally microprogrammable asynchronous processors. The machine uses instruction set partitioning and is optimized to execute relatively short programs operating on large data bases. The processor is thus not limited to display generation but is rather well suited for other real-time tasks, particularly those operating with autonomous processors which can be added as external devices.

A system is described for displaying studio-quality television images of objects described by a set of closed polyhedra. The objects are defined by a series of opaque planar surfaces which may obscure and intersect each other. The image description lists are passed through a scan-conversion, hidden surface removal and shading process and are converted to a real-time television signal. Display occurs through a normal T.V.system.Resolution is 512 lines by 512 dots with a color definition of 15 bits (over 32,000 colors). Generation of the display list is through an interactive language based on a tablet input and three-dimensional rotation of the boundary polygon. Color definition is through an electronic "palatte," also interactively. The system incorporates shading of the surfaces based upon the angle of the normal to the surface to the observer.The system is resident on an 8K 16-bit minicomputer which accesses a hybrid rotation array.