Abstract: There is described a computer graphics apparatus having a data store for storing data defining a computer model comprising a plurality of three-dimensional objects, the computer model varying over time. The computer graphics apparatus processes the data defining the computer model to generate display data defining a sequence of two-dimensional display images, which change as the computer model varies over time, for display to a user. The computer graphics apparatus is also able to generate static image data corresponding to a displayed image in response to an initiation signal.

Abstract: Computer graphics apparatus is configured to represent an object with surface relief detail in terms of its underlying shape over which is superimposed a mapped geometry to represent the relief feature. Superimposition can be made dependent on a level-of-detail threshold, and masking geometry may also be superimposed to properly mask a texture map otherwise lacking in resolution.

Abstract: A computer graphics apparatus comprises a modelling package and a rendering package. The modelling package outputs data representative of the definition of a scene to be represented graphically. The rendering package receives data representative of the scene to be represented graphically, and converts that data into rasterised image data. Preprocessing apparatus is provided to arrange the data defining the scene in a manner which can be more easily processed by the rendering package. The preprocessing apparatus partitions the scene by means of partition planes in directions selected from three mutually perpendicular directions. The planes are positioned so as to eliminate as much empty space as possible, to cause as little division of geometry of the scene as possible, and to deliver sections of the scene which contain no more than a particular level of detail.

Abstract: There is described a computer graphics apparatus having a data store for storing data defining a computer model comprising a plurality of three-dimensional objects, the computer model varying over time. The computer graphics apparatus processes the data defining the computer model to generate display data defining a sequence of two-dimensional display images, which change as the computer model varies over time, for display to a user. The computer graphics apparatus is also able to generate static image data corresponding to a displayed image in response to an initiation signal.

Abstract: Image data representing multi-dimensional objects are processed, wherein the objects are represented by a plurality of polygons. Lighting characteristics for the polygons are calculated in response to data representing light sources and lighting parameters defining coefficients of specular reflection and diffuse reflection. Not all polygons have significant levels of specular reflection. Advantage is taken of this and the apparatus is arranged to process polygons having significant levels of specular reflection in accordance with a first process while processing other polygons in accordance with a second process.

Abstract: In apparatus for processing image data representing multi-dimensional objects, data is stored defining the position of a light source, a viewing position, an arrangement of polygons defining an object and a local transform for transforming said object into viewable 3-dimensional space. Processing means defines the extent of points for an object in each dimension, performs said local transform on said points and determines the extent to which said points are transformed into viewing space. Thus, an evaluation can be made as to where the object will lie in viewing space before polygons are transformed. Culling may then be performed at the object level, rather than at the polygon level.