Educational software for photorealistic rendering in computer graphics (I)

Abstract

The main goal of computer graphics is to produce images using computer. This includes modeling, rendering and animation. Ray Tracing is commonly used in computer graphics to render realistic images by shooting rays.

The project to develop an educational software, was then taken as a challenge. Much studied was done to understand the Ray Tracing concept before the implementation phase commenced.

Prototypes were built to ensure that as a developer, concepts were clarified and a strong foundation about the ray tracing algorithm was possessed. After this stage, system functionalities were brainstormed and the friendly graphical user interface (GUI) was finalized. Much time was spent in developing software and it is named as Ray Tracing Educational Software (RTES) System. The main purpose of the system was to allow users to comprehend the concepts of Ray Tracing algorithm. The system allows the user to render the low resolution and high resolution image based on the Ray Tracing camera settings. In addition, the system also allows step-by-step rendering approach by synchronizing the pseudo panel and ray tracing panel. Through this, anticipated users could understand better on the Ray Tracing algorithm.

Evaluation was conducted by using an evaluation form and inviting friends to participate. Their feedbacks were taken into consideration. Further enhancement works such as illustrating the ray shooting process at the observation panel to enhance the users’ learning experiences, allowing mouse motion control to change the observation camera location and enabling the users to customize the objects in the scene could be carried out in the future.