An image-based multiresolution model for interactive foliage rendering

Abstract

This paper presents a new method for realistic real-time rendering of tree foliage. Some approaches to this problem have been presented before but the quality of their results was not maintainable with respect to changes in view vector and observer distance. Our method is based on a hierarchy of images obtained from preprocessing the botanical tree structure (an L-system) and storing the information in a texture data tree without increasing rendering time. The texture tree is traversed for each frame and an appropriate set of images is extracted and blended with the previous image set. The number of polygons is dramatically reduced – thus enabling interactive visualization and smooth transition between levels of detail. Our method can be easily applied to computer games and visual interactive applications containing vegetation.