3
Data structures for 3D graphics
The visual appearan ce of 3D models representing all kinds of objects is dictated
by the proper ties of their surfaces with color being the most important. Often
the surface of a model is constructed by building it up from a series of primitive
shapes. A polygon with three s id es (a triangle) is the simples t form of primitive
shape. In chapter 2 other simple primitives like the sphere were discussed. Today
in computer-aided design (CAD) application programs more complex surface
shapes referred to as patches have proved popular. These include B´ezier and
NURBS (non-uniform rational B-spline) patches which have curved edges and
continuously varying internal curvature. A model can usually be accurately
represented by ...