Algorithm

Division (mathematics)

Shadow mapping

Implementation

Computer graphics (images)

Computation

Computer science

Shadow (psychology)

Graphics

Psychology

Mathematics

Object (grammar)

Psychotherapist

Artificial intelligence

Programming language

Computer graphics

Class (philosophy)

Computer vision

Arithmetic

Shadows are advocated for improved comprehension and enhanced realism in computer-synthesized images. A classification of shadow algorithms delineates three approaches: shadow computation during scanout; division of object surfaces into shadowed and unshadowed areas prior to removal of hidden surfaces; and inclusion of shadow volumes in the object data. The classes are related to existing shadow algorithms and implementations within each class are sketched. A brief comparison of the three approaches suggests that the last approach has the most appealing characteristics.

Shadow algorithms for computer graphics