Simulation of natural scenes using textured quadric surfaces

Because of the high complexity of the real world, realistic simulation of natural scenes is very costly in computation. The topographical subtlety of common natural features such as trees and clouds remains a stumbling block to cost-effective computer modeling. A new scene model, composed of quadric surfaces bounded with planes and overlaid with texturing, provides an efficient and effective means of representing a wide range, of natural features. The new model provides a compact and functional data base which minimizes the number of scene elements. Efficient hidden surface algorithms for quadric surfaces bounded by planes are included. A mathematical texturing function represents natural surface detail in a statistical manner. Techniques have been developed to simulate natural scenes with the artistic efficiency of an impressionist painter.