Method for fast generation of path traced reflections on a semi-reflective surface
The present disclosure describes a method of generating fast path traced physically correct reflections in a semi-reflective surface. Secondary rays are generated by GPU graphics pipeline, lowering the computational complexity.
1. A computer-based method for fast generation of path traced reflections on a semi-reflective surface utilizing raster pipeline, the method comprising the following steps:
(a) identifying a semi-reflective surface in a scene for creating reflection of an object,
(b) shooting a projection of primary rays from image pixels onto the identified semi-reflective surface in the scene, generating a cluster of primary hit points,
(c) collectively generating secondary rays by use of carrier rays,
(d) generating a render target texture which is an intersection result between secondary rays and the object,
(e) sampling light values of the render target texture at points of intersection between secondary rays and the object,
(f) feeding the sampled light values at the intersection points into their respective primary hit points,
(g) repeating steps c-f multiple times while the direction of carrier rays is deviated from the principal direction, and
(h) reconstructing reflection of the object from the fed light values.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the projection of secondary rays is implemented by a hardware raster pipeline of GPU.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the projection of secondary rays is implemented by a software raster pipeline.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the area of reflection in the scene is identified on semi-reflective surfaces, which may reflect the object.
5. The method of claim 1 , wherein for reflective surface steps c-g are not repeated.
6. The method of claim 1 , wherein no acceleration structures of binary trees are used for carrier rays.
7. The method of claim 1 , wherein no acceleration structures of binary trees are used for secondary rays.
8. The method of claim 1 , wherein the location and boundaries of the surface of reflection is determined according to location of camera, distance and size of the reflecting object, and consideration of principal direction.
9. The method of claim 1 , wherein the projections of primary rays are repeated multiple times.
10. The method of claim 1 , wherein the successive multiple projections of carrier rays are randomly deviated from principal direction.
11. The method of claim 1 , wherein the successive multiple projections of carrier rays are pseudo-randomly deviated from principal direction.
12. The method of claim 1 , wherein each successive projection of secondary rays is deviated from the principal direction.
13. The method of claim 1 , wherein each successive projection of secondary rays is semi-randomly deviated from the principal direction.
14. The method of claim 1 , wherein the carrier rays commence at the primary hit points.
15. The method of claim 1 , wherein the projection of carrier rays is of perspective shape.
16. The method of claim 1 , wherein the projection of secondary rays is of perspective shape.
17. The method of claim 1 , wherein the intersection points between secondary rays and augmented object can be taken as an origin for a new generation of secondary rays.