Pixelraster

Pixelraster is a term used in computer graphics to describe a rasterization technique that converts vector or procedural image data into a pixel-based bitmap image. It encompasses the sampling, shading, and interpolation steps required to produce a frame buffer image from geometric primitives, textures, and procedural details.

Key characteristics of Pixelraster include tile-based processing to improve cache efficiency, adaptive or multi-sample anti-aliasing to reduce jagged edges, and programmable shading that allows per-primitive or per-fragment decisions. In a typical Pixelraster pipeline, geometry is transformed to screen space, a rasterization rule determines which pixels are covered, and fragment shaders determine final color and depth. The approach balances quality and performance through level-of-detail controls, early-z culling, and optional supersampling.

Pixelraster can be implemented in software, hardware, or via a hybrid approach. It is compatible with common graphics APIs and engines, including OpenGL, Vulkan, DirectX, and Metal, and can be integrated into both real-time rendering for games and interactive visualization, as well as offline renderers that require precise control over sampling patterns. It often interacts with vector rendering pipelines, where vector primitives are tessellated before rasterization, or with font rendering pipelines for high-quality glyph output.

Applications include 2D and 3D games, user interfaces, scientific visualization, and digital typography. Advantages of Pixelraster include predictable raster outputs, flexible anti-aliasing, and good support for procedural textures. Limitations may include memory bandwidth demand and complexity in handling extremely high-resolution output or dynamic resolution scaling.

See also rasterization, anti-aliasing, vector graphics, and font rendering.