A Feature Enhancement Method for 3D Tree Synthesis

Computer synthesized 3D tree models often appear in the virtual worlds of 3D movies and games. The creation of tree models with controllability of realistic features including branch irregularities and gaps between branch clusters is a challenging task. This paper presents a procedural method for 3D tree feature enhancement. The tree model is generated in a weighted graph and the basic geometric tree branches are least-cost paths from path planning. Through disconnecting edges in specified regions of holes in the graph, the method can control the tree branches to avoid the hole regions thus demonstrate crooked shapes. The distribution and the sizing of holes can be used to enhance the tree features of irregularity and heterogeneity.