Space Time Ray Tracing using Ray Classification

Throughout the history of computer graphics, a very active area of research has been the attempt to create convincing, life-like images. Ray tracing is a technique for generating photorealistic images, and can easily support a wide range of natural phenomenon. However, producing a ray traced image is very expensive; and producing a ray traced animation is often prohibitively expensive. This thesis looks at two techniques for efficiently producing ray traced animations; Glassner’s space time hierarchical bounding volume technique, and my space time extension of Arvo and Kirk’s ray classification. The results show that my method is more efficient; however Glassner’s technique has much better memory performance. Based on some of the ideas of my method, some ways of improving Glassner’s technique are suggested.