A Survey of Shadow Volume Algorithms in Computer Graphics

This study will provide an overview of popular and famous algorithms and techniques in shadow generation based on shadow volumes. It characterizes well-known techniques, describing each of them in detail, and discusses the advantages and drawbacks of each. Basic ideas, improvements, and future works of the techniques are also comprehensively summarized and analyzed in depth. Often, programmers have difficulty selecting an appropriate shadow generation algorithm based on shadow volumes that is specific to their purpose. We have classified and systemized these techniques. The main goal of this paper is to provide researchers with background on a progress of shadow volume techniques so as to make it easier for researchers to choose the method best suited to their aims. It is also hoped that our analysis will help researchers find solutions to the shortcomings of each technique.