Alpha to coverage
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Alpha to coverage[1][2][3] is a multisampling computer graphics technique, that replaces alpha blending with a coverage mask. This achieves order-independent transparency for when anti-aliasing or semi-transparent textures are used. This particular technique is useful for situations where dense foliage or grass must be rendered in a video game.[4]
Alpha to coverage multisampling is based on regular multisampling, except that the alpha coverage mask is ANDed with the multisample mask. Alpha-to-coverage converts the alpha component output from the pixel shader to a coverage mask. When the multisampling is applied each output fragment gets a transparency of 0 or 1 depending on alpha coverage and the multisampling result.
See also
References
- ^ "Anti-aliased Alpha Test: The Esoteric Alpha To Coverage | by Ben Golus | Medium". 21 October 2021.
- ^ "Alpha to coverage | Semantic Scholar".
- ^ "Common Rendering Mistakes: How to Find Them and How to Fix Them | Oculus".
- ^ "Configuring Blending Functionality (Windows)". Microsoft Developer Network. Retrieved 2013-01-27.
Alpha-to-coverage is a multisampling technique that is most useful for situations such as dense foliage where there are several overlapping polygons that use alpha transparency to define edges within the surface
External links
- GPU Gems 3 ‒ Chapter 4. Next-Generation SpeedTree Rendering
- Street Fighter IV PC explained in detail
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