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.