Research and implementation of real-time rendering algorithm for water surface based on programmable graphics hardware

Real-time rendering water surface with photorealistic effect can improve the photorealism and immersion of the visual realization, is challenging and hot topic in computer graphic. In this paper we present a way to generate and rendering water surface in real-time based on programmable graphics hardware. The way completes the rendering process by realization of water surface modelling and reflection and refraction of water. We model the water surface based on sine wave overlapped, using tow bumping maps to achieve action effect of the water. We realize the reflection, refraction and Fresnel illumination effects with texture mapping. Experimental result shows the algorithm meets the photorealism and real-time requirement very well and can apply to the generation of photorealistic water in visual realization.