Conic - A Fast Renderer for Space-Filling Molecules with Shadows

C.C. Huang, E.F. Pettersen, T.E. Klein, T.E. Ferrin, and R. Langridge

Computer Graphics Laboratory
University of California
San Francisco, CA 94143-0446

ABSTRACT

We present an algorithm for generating images of molecules represented as a set of intersecting opaque spheres. Both perspective and shadows are computed to provide realistic visual clues. Compared to existing programs for generating similar images, our algorithm is both more accurate and several times faster. We present in detail the mathematics used in picture generation, along with examples of the computed images.

A reprint of this paper is available on request.

tef@cgl.ucsf.edu / March 1991