ZBufferverfahrens

The Z-Bufferverfahrens is a computer graphics algorithm used for rendering three-dimensional scenes on a two-dimensional display. Developed by Edwin Catmull in the 1970s, it is based on the principle of hidden surface removal, which ensures that only the closest objects to the viewer are visible in the final image.

The algorithm works by creating a z-buffer, a memory area that stores the distance of each pixel from the viewer. As the graphics pipeline processes each pixel, it updates the corresponding value in the z-buffer. When rendering subsequent pixels, the algorithm compares their z-value to the value in the z-buffer. If the new pixel is closer to the viewer, its value is stored in the z-buffer, effectively "hiding" the previously rendered pixel.

This technique is essential for producing realistic images, especially when dealing with complex scenes featuring multiple overlapping objects. The z-bufferverfahrens allows graphics systems to efficiently manage overlapping surfaces and render scenes with accurate depth cues, such as perspective and occlusion. The algorithm has become a fundamental component of modern computer graphics pipelines, applicable in fields like computer-aided design (CAD), video games, and scientific visualization.