Light transport classification based ray tracing

Number: 9619924
Published: 2017-04-11
Filed: 2015-03-06
Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
Inventors: Spencer; Benjamin et al.
CPC: G06T15/50; G06T15/06
Verdict: Low Notable software
Source: Google Patents · FreePatentsOnline

The keeper's note

Ray-tracing rendering technique that classifies light transport paths for more efficient rendering.

Abstract

There is provided an illumination rendering system and method for use by such a system. The system includes a system processor, a system memory, and an illumination rendering engine including a ray tracing unit stored in the system memory. The system processor is configured to execute the ray tracing unit to recognize a present classification of a light path traveling between a ray source and a ray receiver, and to identify a scattering type of a next scattering event corresponding to a ray on the light path. The system processor is also configuredto execute the ray tracing unit to determine a next classification of the light path based on the present classification of the light path and the scattering type.

Background

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS(1) FIG. 1 shows a diagram of one exemplary implementation of an illumination rendering system configured to perform light transport classification based ray tracing;(2) FIG. 2 shows a diagram of exemplary light transport classifications and exemplary transitions among those classifications, according to one implementation;(3) FIG. 3 shows a diagram of a scene depicting specific examples of light transport classification transitions, according to one implementation; and(4) FIG. 4 is a flowchart presenting an exemplary method for use by an illumination rendering system to perform light transport classification based ray tracing.DETAILED DESCRIPTION(5) The following description contains specific information pertaining to implementationsin the present disclosure. One skilled in the art will recognize that the present disclosure may be implemented in a manner different from that specifically discussed herein. The drawings in the present application and their accompanying detailed description are directed to merely exemplary implementations. Unless noted otherwise, like or corresponding elements among the figures may be indicated by like or corresponding reference numerals. Moreover, the drawings and illustrations in the present application are generally not to scale,and are not intended to correspond to actual relative dimensions.(6) As stated above, computer rendered graphics have come to play an important role in the production of a varietyof

Claims

1. An illumination rendering system comprising: a system processor; a system memory; and an illumination rendering engine including a ray tracing unit stored in the system memory; wherein the system processor is configured to execute the ray tracing unit to: recognize a present classification of a light path traveling between a ray source and a ray receiver; identify a scattering type of a next scattering event corresponding to a ray on the light path; and determine a next classification of the light path based only on the present classification of the light path and the scattering type; wherein the system processor utilizes the next classification of the light path to render an illumination of a scene on a display, the scene including at least a portion of the light path. 10. A method for use by a system including a system processor and an illumination rendering engine including a ray tracing unit stored in a system memory, the method comprising: recognizing, by the ray tracing unit, a present classification of a light path traveling between a ray source and a ray receiver; identifying, by the ray tracing unit, a scattering type of a next scattering eventcorresponding to a ray on the light path; determining, by the ray tracing unit, a next classification of the light path based only on the present classification of the light path and the scattering type; and utilizing the next classification of the light path to renderan illumination of a scene on a display, the scene including at least a portion of the light path. 19. A method for use by a system including a system processor and an illumination rendering engine including a ray tracing unit stored in a system memory, the method comprising: recognizing, by the ray tracing unit, a present classification of a light path traveling between a ray source and a ray receiver; identifying, by the ray tracing unit, a scattering type of a next scattering event corresponding to a ray on the light path; determining, by the ray tracing unit, a next classification of the light path based only on the present classification of the light path and the scattering type, regardless of any prior classification of the light path; and utilizing the next classification of the light path to render an illumination of a scene on a display, the scene including at least a portion of the light path.