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The world's most advanced ray tracing technology: Do you know the mathematical secrets behind it?
With the advancement of computer technology, the reality of 3D images has been greatly improved, and the development of global illumination (Global Illumination, GI) technology is the core of this change. It not only pursues the direct illumination effect of the light source, but also simulates how light reflects and refracts in the scene, bringing more realistic visual effects. In this article, we will focus on the algorithms involved in this technology and its impact.
Global illumination is an important tool used to improve the realism of 3D scenes and can provide a more natural light interaction effect.
Global illumination algorithm
The purpose of the global illumination algorithm is to make the calculated image more realistic. These algorithms take more comprehensive account of light reflections and changes within a scene than algorithms that rely solely on direct lighting. Although the images generated by global illumination are more realistic, their computational requirements are relatively high and their generation speed is slow. Therefore, many efficient global illumination algorithms such as photon mapping, ray tracing, and radiometric methods have been proposed in order to achieve a technical balance.
Common global illumination algorithms include ray tracing, photon mapping and radiometric methods. Although these algorithms take more time to calculate, they can produce delicate image effects.
The challenge of photo realism
In real-time 3D graphics processing, realistic calculation of global illumination remains a challenge. In the process, the algorithm attempts to balance authenticity and efficiency. Sometimes, in order to achieve real-time rendering requirements, developers will use the term "environment" and simply replace the reflected part of global illumination with a fixed ambient light source. Although this method is simple, it sacrifices the authenticity of the visual effects to a large extent.
In practice, using ambient light instead of comprehensive global illumination can improve computing efficiency, but it is difficult to achieve satisfactory visual effects.
Illumination simulation method
With the advancement of software technology, more and more specialized algorithms are imported into 3D rendering programs to simulate global illumination of light. These algorithms are often numerical approximations of the lighting rendering equation, allowing for efficient calculations. Among them, the application of distance field technology and image-based lighting methods is the key to improving the sense of reality.
Image-based lighting
Another way to simulate global illumination is to use high dynamic range imagery (HDRI), also known as environment maps, which surround and illuminate the entire scene. This method is called image-based lighting and has good efficiency and realism.
Image-based lighting technology uses high dynamic range images to create realistic environments and has become an important part of modern rendering technology.
Conclusion
The development of global illumination technology has opened up new possibilities for 3D graphics rendering, but its computational challenges remain. As technology continues to advance, we may be one step closer to truly instantaneous and perfect global illumination. However, will the interaction of light and the precise expression of ambient lighting become the ultimate technical problem?
