4. State of the Art in Monte Carlo Global Illumination
Sunday, Full Day, 8:30 am - 5:30 pm
Room 515A
Level: Intermediate

Realistic image synthesis is increasingly important in areas such as entertainment (movies, special effects, and games), design, architecture, and more. A common trend in all these areas is the quest for more realistic images of increasingly complex models. Monte Carlo global illumination algorithms are the only techniques that can handle this complexity. Recent advances in algorithms and computing power have made Monte Carlo algorithms very practical and a natural choice for most image-synthesis problems.

The purpose of this course is to provide a thorough understanding of the principles of Monte Carlo path-tracing methods and a detailed overview of the most recently developed methods. Part 1 covers the fundamentals of realistic image synthesis (radiometry, rendering equations). Part 2 focuses on the mathematical tools needed to compute integrals using Monte Carlo sampling. Parts 3 and 4 cover specific algorithms that have proven very useful in global illumination rendering.

Prerequisites
A basic understanding of classic photo-realistic rendering algorithms, such as basic ray tracing and radiosity is assumed. Knowledge of probability theory is very helpful. Some familiarity with transport equations and radiometry is useful but not required.

Intended Audience
Students and professionals who are interested in photo-realistic rendering techniques and want to develop their own global-illumination algorithms.

Co-Organizers
Philip Dutré
Katholieke Universiteit Leuven

Henrik Wann Jensen
University of California, San Diego

Lecturers
Jim Arvo
University of California, Irvine

Kavita Bala
Cornell University

Philippe Bekaert
Universiteit Limburg

Philip Dutré
Katholieke Universiteit Leuven

Henrik Wann Jensen
University of California, San Diego

Steve Marschner
Cornell University

Matt Pharr
NVIDIA Corporation

Schedule

8:30	Part 1: Fundamentals, Inroduction Dutré
8:40	Radiometry Marschner
9:20	The Rendering Equation Dutré
10:15	Break
10:30	Part 2: Monte Carlo and Sampling, Fundamentals of Monte Carlo Integration Arvo
11:30	Direct Illumination Bala
12:15	Lunch
1:45	Part 3: Global Illumination, Algorithms 1, Metropolis Sampling Pharr
2:30	Biased Monte Carlo Ray,Tracing Jensen
3:30	Break
2:30	Biased Monte Carlo Ray,Tracing Jensen
3:30	Break
3:45	Part 4: Global Illumination, Algorithms 2, Stochastic Radiosity Bekaert
4:45	Interactive Techniques Bala
5:25	Summary Statement Dutré