Aliasing and scintillation reduction in real-time computer graphics

Aliasing is unavoidable in real-time computer image generation due to the sampling processes occurring within the graphics hardware. In particular, aliasing produces scintillation effects and significant radiometric inaccuracy when targets are rendered at long range. The zoom anti-aliasing techniques designed to alleviate the inherent aliasing problems are reviewed here. It is shown that since these rely on computational power rather than on optimal use of the extensive set of functions available within the graphics hardware they tend to be slower and more complex than necessary. A new technique based on use of the graphics hardware functions is described and compared to the earlier techniques. It is shown that the technique is faster and less complex while being similarly capable in reducing the level of aliasing.