Interactive real-time motion blur

Motion blurring of fast-moving objects is highly desirable for virtual environments and 3D user interfaces. However, all currently known algorithms for generating motion blur are too slow for inclusion in interactive 3D applications. We introduce a new motion-blur algorithm that works in three dimensions on a per object basis. The algorithm operates in real time even for complex objects consisting of several thousand polygons. While it only approximates true motion blur, the generated results are smooth and visually consistent. We achieve this performance break-through by taking advantage of hardware-assisted rendering of semitransparent polygons, a feature commonly available in today's workstations.