Glossary Sections

Clipping

Last Updated: November 12, 20242.6 min read

Overview

Clipping in computer graphics is a process of removing parts of a 3D object that are outside the view frustum. The view frustum is a pyramid-shaped region of space that is visible from the camera’s point of view.

Clipping is necessary because the graphics hardware can only render objects that are within the view frustum. If objects outside the view frustum were rendered, they would appear distorted or clipped at the edges of the screen.

There are two main types of clipping:

  • View frustum clipping: View frustum clipping is the process of removing parts of a 3D object that are outside the view frustum. This is done by testing the vertices of the object against the planes of the view frustum.
  • Occlusion culling: Occlusion culling is the process of removing objects that are hidden from the camera. This is done by testing the objects against the planes of the view frustum, as well as against the surfaces of other objects.

Clipping is an important part of the rendering process, and it helps to improve the performance and quality of the rendered image.

Here are some of the benefits of clipping:

  • Improved performance: Clipping can help to improve the performance of the rendering process by reducing the number of objects that need to be rendered.
  • Improved quality: Clipping can help to improve the quality of the rendered image by preventing objects that are outside the view frustum from being rendered.

Here are some of the disadvantages of clipping:

  • Complexity: Clipping can add some complexity to the rendering process.
  • Accuracy: Clipping can be inaccurate, especially for objects that are close to the edges of the view frustum.

Overall, clipping is a valuable tool for improving the performance and quality of rendered images. However, it is important to weigh the benefits and drawbacks of clipping before using it in a particular application.

Here are some additional tips for using clipping in computer graphics:

  • Use the right clipping method for the application: There are a number of different clipping methods available. The best method to use depends on the specific application. For example, view frustum clipping is a good choice for applications that require a high degree of accuracy, while occlusion culling is a good choice for applications that are performance-critical.
  • Use clipping to improve performance: Clipping can help to improve the performance of the rendering process by reducing the number of objects that need to be rendered. For example, if a scene contains 100 objects, but only 50 of them are visible from the camera, then clipping can be used to remove the 50 invisible objects. This can significantly improve the rendering performance.
  • Use clipping to improve quality: Clipping can help to improve the quality of the rendered image by preventing objects that are outside the view frustum from being rendered. For example, if an object is outside the view frustum, then it will not be rendered, even if it is partially visible. This can help to prevent artifacts from appearing in the rendered image.

By following these tips, you can use clipping to improve the performance and quality of your rendered images.

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