An efficient scan conversion and hidden surface removal algorithm

Abstract A scan conversion and hidden surface algorithm is discussed in detail. The algorithm is of the Watkins class but differs markedly in implementation. It is running on an 8K Varian 620 computer, and is used to produce shaded color renderings of three-dimensional objects. Details of the data structure used and of the internal sortings is given. Together with a video disk subsystem, the minicomputer system is capable of producing studio quality T.V. images in 8–70 s, depending on image complexity.