Interactive adaptive global illumination

Abstract

In this dissertation we analyze the current state of affairs in the field of graphics rendering. We start by discussing classical techniques before moving on to the latest global illumination algorithms. We then proceed to analyze a number of algorithms in detail to determine which is best suited to make the jump to interactive frame rates. Hence we present our own design and implementation of an interactive adaptive global illumination rendering engine. Our approach has been to enhance a ray tracing engine through the use of the photon map algorithm as outlines by Jensen. Our main focus has been on flexibility, thus allowing the user to decide on a number or rendering parameters that have a direct effect on both image quality and processing speed. We hence present two distinct versions of the system, namely a serial and a parallel version. This allows us to better analyze the performance of the system across different levels of processing power. Through this approach we hope to draw a number of conclusions regarding the state of photo-realistic rendering today.