Rasterized rendering is a commonly used rendering method in computer graphics. It is the process of generating a two-dimensional image based on a three-dimensional scene, which usually consists of three main steps: geometry calculation, lighting calculation, and pixel calculation. In this article, we will detail the principles and applications of rasterized rendering.
First, what is rasterization rendering
Rasterized rendering is a computer graphics technique that converts a three-dimensional scene into a two-dimensional image. Its main processes include geometry calculation, lighting calculation, and pixel calculation. During the geometry calculation phase, the computer converts the three-dimensional model into a two-dimensional shape in the screen coordinate system. In the next phase of lighting calculation, the computer calculates the lighting effect on each pixel. Finally, during the pixel calculation phase, the computer fills each pixel with color.
Second, the principle of rasterization rendering
Geometric calculations
Geometry calculations are the process of converting a three-dimensional scene into a two-dimensional shape in the coordinate system of an on-screen. In this process, rasterization rendering uses a technique called triangle rasterization. The technique is to convert triangles in a three-dimensional scene into two-dimensional shapes and render using only triangles.
Lighting calculations
Lighting calculations are the process of calculating lighting and color at the pixel level. During this process, the computer calculates the brightness and color received by each pixel based on information such as light and material properties. This process usually uses mathematical models and algorithms such as ray tracing, radiometry, ambient occlusion, etc.
Pixel calculation
The pixel calculation process is the process of filling and processing lighting effects. During this process, the computer shades the color of each pixel obtained during the lighting calculation phase. The computer also performs some post-processing on these pixels, such as anti-aliasing and depth testing.
Third, the advantages and applications of rasterized rendering
Rasterized rendering has several advantages:
Fast rendering: Rasterized rendering renders a large number of triangular models very quickly and adapts well to hardware acceleration.
High accuracy: Because rasterization rendering uses triangular meshes, it renders complex 3D models very accurately.
Easy to develop: Rasterized rendering algorithms are simple and easy to understand and can be developed quickly using extensive graphics libraries and APIs.
Rasterized rendering has a wide range of applications, including:
Movies and games: In movies and games, rasterized rendering is widely used together with ray tracing. Rasterized rendering is typically used for real-time rendering, while ray tracing is typically used to render high-quality videos and images.
Engineering and construction: In engineering and construction, rasterization techniques are used to visualize and demonstrate the effects of objects such as buildings and machinery.
Interior design: Interior designers can use rasterization technology to provide customers with more realistic sights and dynamic effects.
In summary, rasterized rendering is one of the commonly used rendering methods in computer graphics. It renders three-dimensional scenes quickly and has the advantages of high accuracy and easy development. Rasterized rendering has a wide range of applications, including gaming, film, engineering, architecture, and interior design.