ABSTRACT
This chapter presents what is considered to be the core component of realtime graphics, namely the graphics rendering pipeline, also known simply as the pipeline. The main function of the pipeline is to generate, or render, a two-dimensional image, given a virtual camera, three-dimensional objects, light sources, shading equations, textures, and more. The rendering pipeline is thus the underlying tool for real-time rendering. The process of using the pipeline is depicted in Figure 2.1. The locations and shapes of the objects in the image are determined by their geometry, the characteristics of the environment, and the placement of the camera in that environment. The appearance of the objects is affected by material properties, light sources, textures, and shading models.
