Distributed Rendering Techniques Using Virtual Walls

This framework presents a new generic solution to arbitrary geometrical problems using the Virtual Walls concept. It is based on the geometric distribution of the given object space by virtual walls into cells. The solution of the global problem is achieved by iteration of computation local to each cell and combination of neighbouring solutions. The Virtual Walls concept can be mapped eeciently onto massively parallel mul-tiprocessor systems. Loadbalancing strategies have been especially designed to achieve an optimal system exploitation. An interface library supports process generation and communication facilities that allows the user to write an application modul that can be easily integrated within the Virtual Walls concept. The Virtual Walls concept have been designed for Trans-puter architectures as well as for all architec-tures that supply PVM, the Parallel Virtual Machine communication environment. As an example Raytracing and Radiosity algorithms have been adopted to the Virtual Walls concept.