Rendering Rigid Shadows Using Hybrid Algorithm

Abstract

We present a precise and efficient hybrid algorithm for rendering rigid shadows. Our algorithm performs the combination of two major shadow rendering algorithms: shadow map and shadow volume. In our approach the first step is performed by the application of renowned shadow map algorithm which generates the shadow with aliased edges. The result generated is then passed to identify the shadow pixels. Then shadow volume algorithm is applied to generate a crisp-edged shadow of object. Shadow volume is performed only at shadow pixels to minimize the time consumption in rendering shadows. The identification of shadow pixels depends upon the hardware functionality for which a graphics processor is required. Algorithm for implementing the hybrid approach is mentioned with results in the paper.