Abstract: A database and execution hierarchy for computer graphics display systems that breaks LOD transitions into two functional steps. The first is the geometry transition, and the second is the detail transition, provided by texture maps. The geometric transition applies conformal fixed vertex decimation methods to create multiple levels of detail with a shared vertex coordinate database. Transitions between LOD's are made seamless by creating the multiple LOD levels with macrogrids of fixed, non-decimated vertices. These are generated using a hierarchical approach that reduces the number of fixed points in the macrogrid at each successive level. Visual anomalies associated with color and texture transitions are reduced by using texture maps to ensure consistent detail transitions for pixels between LOD's. The textures capture the detail information of the highest LOD using orthographic rendering on a grid matching the geometric macrogrid. Database storage size and transmission rate are optimized.

Abstract: An architecture for delivering up-to-date graphics technology to a mass market, locating rapidly chaning graphics technology on a central server and partitioning application functions between server and distributed consoles in such a fashion that upgrades in graphics technology do not require corresponding upgrades in the consoles or in functions allocated to the consoles. Multiple instances are provided of the graphics technology, and these instances are switched to active applications and consoles.