Volumetric path tracing

Volumetric path tracing is a method for rendering images in computer graphics which was first introduced by Lafortune and Willems.^[1] This method enhances the rendering of the lighting in a scene by extending the path tracing method with the effect of light scattering. It is used for photorealistic effects of participating media like fire, explosions, smoke, clouds, fog or soft shadows.

Like in the path tracing method, a ray is followed backwards, beginning from the eye, until reaching the light source. In volumetric path tracing, scattering events can occur along with ray tracing. When a light ray hits a surface, a certain amount gets scattered into the media.^[2]

^ Lafortune, Eric P; Willems, Yves (June 1996). "Rendering Participating Media with Bidirectional Path Tracing" (PDF). Rendering Techniques '96. Eurographics. pp. 91–100. doi:10.1007/978-3-7091-7484-5_10. ISBN 978-3-211-82883-0.
^ Skånberg, Robin (January 2015). "Evaluation of Visual Parameters in Volumetric Path Tracing" (PDF). Department of Science and Technology, Linköping University: 20–22. {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)

[1] Lafortune, Eric P; Willems, Yves (June 1996). "Rendering Participating Media with Bidirectional Path Tracing" (PDF). Rendering Techniques '96. Eurographics. pp. 91–100. doi:10.1007/978-3-7091-7484-5_10. ISBN 978-3-211-82883-0.

[ref2-2] Skånberg, Robin (January 2015). "Evaluation of Visual Parameters in Volumetric Path Tracing" (PDF). Department of Science and Technology, Linköping University: 20–22. {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)

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