Grid-based computer animation rendering

ABSTRACT

Rendering computer animation frames is a very time consuming job. Using parallel computing on clusters and so-called render farms is a common solution to this problem. In this paper we describe how Grid computing can be used for computer animation rendering. We propose a framework for Grid rendering services, describe its implementation, and present the results and statistics. A loseless 3D compression algorithm was also devised to solve the existing problem of transferring gigabytes of scene representation files (Renderman (.rib) and mental images (.mi)). This compression algorithm has been filed for patent in Singapore.

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INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  I. Computing Methodologies
  I.3 COMPUTER GRAPHICS
      I.3.2 Graphics Systems

Additional Classification:
  E. Data
  E.4 CODING AND INFORMATION THEORY

Keywords:
computer animation, data compression, grid-based rendering, render farm