Advanced Rendering for Scalable Parallel Systems

A system is proposed that integrates a ray traced rendering software solution with a parallel multiprocessing system in order to obtain high speed photorealistic visualization. This approach allows for very high speed creation of realistic images with transparency, shadows and reflections. These images are applicable to a number of rendering applications, including scientific visualization, computer-aided-design, simulation, and virtual reality. Algorithms will be designed and implemented which support a scalable architecture that can provide high quality visualization across multiple applications. The system will be designed to allow a low-cost multiprocessor implementation.