Ray tracing for constructive solid modeling

Abstract

This thesis describes a system for the creation and realistic depiction of non-geometric, complex, three dimensional solid models by utilizing a ray tracing algorithm and a graphics relational database. Geometric primitives such as a sphere, cylinder, block, and cone are combined together by using the Boolean set operations of union (+), intersection (&), and difference (-). The three dimensional solid models are built based on the concept of constructive solid geometric modeling. The database provides functions for the creation, transformation, and deletion of the primitives and models. A model may be displayed as a wireframe for a fast display or as a shaded solid for a realistic display