Summary

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Summary

This chapter covered the two major types of rendering techniques. It discussed in some detail each technique's positives and negatives . It is very important for any graphics programmer to know each technique in detail because many times an application could be easily upgraded to handle a specific effect by choosing a technique best suited for a particular situation. Some researchers think it's bold to go off and begin inventing algorithms on their own without even thinking about the ones that are already available. It may be good to derive something new and innovative but don't re-invent the wheel if the wheel runs well (smile). Take what is here and make it better, build on top of the hard work researchers have already done for you. Henrik Wann Jensen did this when designing photon mapping. You will use backward and forward ray tracing in the development of photon mapping.

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