Write a note on OpenGL Animation Procedures

6.B] Write a note on OpenGL Animation Procedures.

Answer:

OpenGL Animation Procedures

OpenGL provides several methods to create smooth animations. Here’s a simplified overview of the main procedures:

Double Buffering:

• Purpose: Double buffering helps to avoid flickering and tearing in animations by using two buffers for drawing. This ensures that the animation looks smooth.
• How to Activate: Use the command:
  glutInitDisplayMode(GLUT_DOUBLE);
  This sets up two buffers: one for displaying the current frame (front buffer) and one for drawing the next frame (back buffer).
• Swapping Buffers: To make the newly drawn frame visible, use:
  glutSwapBuffers();
  This swaps the front and back buffers.
• Checking Availability: To see if double buffering is supported, use: GLboolean status; glGetBooleanv(GL_DOUBLEBUFFER, &status);
  • GL_TRUE means double buffering is available.
  • GL_FALSE means it is not available.

Continuous Animation with Idle Function:

• Purpose: The glutIdleFunc function lets you continuously run an animation function when there are no other events to process.
• Setting Up: Use:
  glutIdleFunc(animationFcn);
  • Replace animationFcn with the name of your function that updates the animation.
• Stopping Animation: To stop the animation function from running, use:
  glutIdleFunc(NULL);

These procedures help make animations smooth and keep the display updated efficiently. Double buffering reduces visual glitches, while the idle function ensures that the animation keeps running when the system is idle.