Dilution of precision is an
algorithm
In mathematics and computer science, an algorithm () is a finite sequence of rigorous instructions, typically used to solve a class of specific problems or to perform a computation. Algorithms are used as specifications for performing ...
ic trick used to handle difficult problems in
hidden-line removal
In 3D computer graphics, solid objects are usually modeled by polyhedra. A face of a polyhedron is a planar polygon bounded by straight line segments, called edges. Curved surfaces are usually approximated by a polygon mesh. Computer programs ...
, caused when horizontal and vertical edges lie on top of each other due to
numerical instability. Numerically, the severity escalates when a
CAD model
Computer-aided design (CAD) is the use of computers (or ) to aid in the creation, modification, analysis, or optimization of a design. This software is used to increase the productivity of the designer, improve the quality of design, improve c ...
is viewed along the principal axis or when a geometric form is viewed end-on. The trick is to alter the
view vector by a small amount, thereby hiding the flaws. Unfortunately, this mathematical modification introduces new issues of its own, namely that the exact nature of the original problem has been destroyed, and visible artifacts of this
kludge
A kludge or kluge () is a workaround or quick-and-dirty solution that is clumsy, inelegant, inefficient, difficult to extend and hard to maintain. This term is used in diverse fields such as computer science, aerospace engineering, Internet sl ...
will continue to haunt the algorithm. One such issue is that edges that were well defined and hidden will now be problematic. Another common issue is that the bottom edges on circles viewed end-on will often become visible and propagate their visibility throughout the problem.
External links
* http://wheger.tripod.com/vhl/vhl.htm
3D computer graphics