The Compositing Buffer: A Flexible Method for Image Generation and Image Editing

Abstract

In this paper, we describe a new buffer architecture called the Compositing Buffer. Although it is based on the A-buffer architecture described by Carpenter1, the new architecture introduces two important ideas which make image generation more flexible. The first idea is the storing of bitmask index instead of the bitmask. This allows accurate images to be generated while at the same time, minimising memory usage. The second idea is the introduction of the concept of dynamic object. This allows images to be edited interactively. Applications of the two ideas will also be discussed in the paper.