Non-Photorealistic Computer Graphics Library

Beyond Pixels: Illustration with Vector Graphics

Author(s): Tobias Isenberg, Angela Brennecke, Mario Costa Sousa, M. Sheelagh T. Carpendale.
Technical Report: Department of Computer Science, University of Calgary, No. Technical Report 2005-804-35, Canada, December, 2005.
[BibTeX]

Abstract:
This report presents a novel vector rendering pipeline that allows us to easily break the pixel barrier and create high-quality illustrations. Recently, most graphic research has been directed towards rendering pixel images that appear realistic. In contrast, we investigate the generation of vector graphic illustrations using non-photorealistic techniques such as line rendering and Gooch shading. By combining vector output from both shading and line rendering of 3D models we create high-quality illustrations that can directly be used in print reproduction. Our approach uses a vector graphic pipeline that tracks multiple attributes of strokes and uses them for stylization. This allows to have multiple layers of line rendering such as different stroke types or visible and hidden parts of strokes, each treated differently according to specific stylization rules.