CSG Hidden Surface Algorithms for VLSI Hardware Systems

Abstract

Constructive Solid Geometry (CSG) is a solid modeling representation thatdefines objects ·as Boolean combinations of primitive solids. For thedisplay of such objects, both the visibility problem and the problem ofcombining the primitive solids into one composite object have to be solved.Recently, several CSG hidden surface algorithms have been published thatreduce these two problems to a combination of simple depth comparisons andlogical operations at the pixel level that can be performed in VLSI hardwaredisplay systems. An overview of these algorithms is given. Furthermore,a CSG depth-buffer algorithm is presented that combines these algorithms.