Importance

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Abstract

Scenes of objects, such as models in three-dimensional environments and user interface elements in window-based computing environments, are often rendered with shadows cast by a first object on a second object based on a light source. Full graphics engines often produce rich and high-fidelity shadows but involve extensive computation that may be unsuitable for some lower-powered devices. Simple shadowing techniques, such as drop shadows, may be rendered with modest computational processing, but only within significant restrictions and with poor fidelity. Presented herein is a shadow rendering technique that involves identifying a silhouette cast by an object due to a light source and applying a geometric transform, based upon the positions of the objects and the light source within the scene. The shadows may further include variations for opacity and/or edge blurring, reflecting distances between the light source and the objects, and colored shadows that exhibit translucency as a stained-glass effect.

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First Claim