Efficient CPU-based Volume Ray Tracing Techniques

Authors: Marmitt, Gerd; Friedrich, Heiko; Slusallek, Philipp

Source: Computer Graphics Forum, Volume 27, Number 6, September 2008 , pp. 1687-1709(23)

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Abstract:

Recent research on high-performance ray tracing has achieved real-time performance even for highly complex surface models already on a single PC. In this report, we provide an overview of techniques for extending real-time ray tracing also to interactive volume rendering. We review fast rendering techniques for different volume representations and rendering modes in a variety of computing environments. The physically-based rendering approach of ray tracing enables high image quality and allows for easily mixing surface, volume and other primitives in a scene, while fully accounting for all of their optical interactions. We present optimized implementations and discuss the use of upcoming high-performance processors for volume ray tracing.

Keywords: interactive volume rendering; scientific visualization; ray tracing; I.3.3 Computer Graphics: Raytracing

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-8659.2008.01179.x

Affiliations: 1: Computer Graphics Group, Saarland University, Saarbrücken, Saarland, Germany

Publication date: 2008-09-01