ELSA Synergy 2000, Manual

Page: 25 / 50

|
Graphics know-how
25
| ELSA Synergy 2000 |
EN
4 Graphics know-how
This is the chapter where we really get stuck in. Anyone who wants to know
more about graphics—especially in connection with the
ELSA Synergy
2000 —will find a whole load of technical stuff right here.
4.1 3D graphics representation
Today it is considered de rigueur to know all about 3D. Your curiosity will be
aroused as soon as you experience the first visual wizardry generated by your
new graphics board. Two features of the 3D display will leap out at you: it's
both realistic and fast. The amount of work required here is known only to
the processor, but we will describe it in detail to you below.
4.1.1 The 3D pipeline
What actually happens when a monitor displays a 3D object? The data
describing the 3D object are passed through what is known as the 3D pipe-
line, in which the mathematical calculations for its representation in space
and perspective on the monitor are carried out. What happens in detail?
Start: The object data
The pipeline starts at the object. The object description is made up of the
data (points). The basic geometric primitive is the triangle. The corner points
of the object's triangles are described using coordinate points (x, y and z),
where the 'z' value represents the depth information. Depending on the dis-
play representation, these points are assigned additional data regarding
material, texture, special effects and much more. As a result, an enormous
amount of data is sent into the pipeline.
RenderingRasterization
At this stage, the 3D scene is filled with color shades and textures are
applied. Different processes and methods are also applied here.
쎲
Shading —Shading takes account of the effects created by different
light sources on the 3D object and provide for a very realistic overall
Object data
Geometrical
transformation
Rendering
Display on
the monitor