A Rendering System for Photo-Realistic Images and Virtual Environments: Final Report.

The initial proposal was for developing a new rendering system. The rendering system was to be based on our ongoing project for a photo-realistic implementation of RenderMan Interface proposed by Pixar. In the first phase, we explored the requirements of such a renderer and how the present system needs to be changed to meet those requirements. This formed the basis for a photo-realistic rendering system that incorporates global illumination. In the second phase, we were to extend the system to real-time rendering. In particular, we are interested in real-time rendering of medical data. We wanted to include the traditional volumetric techniques as well as novel approaches in the use of texture mapping hardware and data segmentation and registration techniques for feature extraction and polygonal rendering. The system was to be used as the rendering part of a virtual environment system for surgical simulation.