Illumination networks: fast realistic rendering with general reflectance functions

ABSTRACT

We present a technique for modeling global illumination which allows a wide variety of reflectance functions. Scene coherence is exploited in a preprocessing step in which the geometry is analyzed using iterative techniques. Memory is traded for speed, in anticipation of the high memory capacities of workstations of the future. The algorithm operates well over a wide range of time and image quality constraints: realistic results may be produced very quickly while very accurate results require more time and space. The method can be extended for animation and parallelization.

REFERENCES

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INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  I. Computing Methodologies
  I.3 COMPUTER GRAPHICS
      I.3.5 Computational Geometry and Object Modeling
          Subjects: Curve, surface, solid, and object representations

Additional Classification:
  I. Computing Methodologies
  I.3 COMPUTER GRAPHICS
      I.3.3 Picture/Image Generation
          Subjects: Display algorithms
      I.3.7 Three-Dimensional Graphics and Realism
          Subjects: Visible line/surface algorithms

General Terms:
Algorithms, Design