Trapp,M., Döllner,J.
Abstract:
The concept of clipping planes is well known in computer graphics and can be used to create cut-away views. But clipping against just analytical defined planes is not always suitable for communicating every aspect of such visualization. For example, in hand- drawn technical illustrations, artists tend to communicate the difference between a cut and a model feature by using non-regular, sketchy cut lines instead of straight ones. To enable this functionality in computer graphics, we present a technique for rendering relief clip planes in real-time. Therefore, we extend the clip plane equation with an additional offset map, which can be represented by a texture map that contains height values. Clipping is then performed by varying the clip plane equation with respect to such an offset map. Further, we propose a capping technique that enables the rendering of caps onto the clipped area to convey the impression of solid material. It avoids a re-meshing of a solid polygonal mesh after clipping is performed. Our approach is pixel precise, applicable in real-time, and takes fully advantage of graphics accelerators.