Methods for Quantifying and Characterizing Errors in Pixel-Based 3D Rendering

Published

July 1, 2008

Author(s)

John G. Hagedorn, Judith E. Terrill, Adele P. Peskin, James J. Filliben

Abstract

We present methods for measuring errors in the rendering of three-dimensional points, line segments, and polygons in  pixel-based computer graphics systems.  We present error metrics for each of these three cases.  These methods are applied to rendering with OpenGL on two common hardware platforms under several rendering conditions.  Results are presented and differences in measured errors are analyzed and characterized.  We discuss possible extensions of this error analysis approach to other aspects of the process of generating visual representations of synthetic scenes.

Citation

Journal of Research (NIST JRES) -

Volume

113

Issue

4

NIST Pub Series

Journal of Research (NIST JRES)

Pub Type

NIST Pubs

Download Paper

Local Download

Keywords

rendering measurement, pixel measurement, metrology, computer graphics, scientific visualization, virtual measurement

Citation

Hagedorn, J. , Terrill, J. , Peskin, A. and Filliben, J. (2008), Methods for Quantifying and Characterizing Errors in Pixel-Based 3D Rendering, Journal of Research (NIST JRES), National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD, [online], https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=152102 (Accessed October 20, 2025)