Advanced Global Illumination, Second Edition

This book provides the reader with a fundamental understanding of global illumination algorithms. It discusses a broad class of algorithms for realistic image synthesis and introduces a theoretical basis for the algorithms presented. Topics include: - Physics of light transport - Monte Carlo methods - General strategies for solving the rendering equation - Stochastic path-tracing algorithms such as ray tracing and light tracing - Stochastic radiosity including photon density estimation and hierarchical Monte Carlo radiosity - Hybrid algorithms: weighted multi-pass, bi-directional path tracing, Metropolis light transport, irradiance caching, photon mapping and instant radiosity - Beyond the rendering equation: participating media, sub-surface scattering and more - Image display and human perception - Fast global illumination: render caching, interactive ray tracing, ... - Unresolved issues in photorealistic rendering - A class library for global illumination If you want to design and implement a global illumination rendering system or need to use and modify an existing system for your specific purpose, this book will give you the tools and the understanding to do so.