This book provides the reader with a fundamental understanding of global illumination algorithms. It discusses a broad class of algorithms for realistic image synthesis and introduces a theoretical basis for the algorithms presented. Topics include: - Physics of light transport - Monte Carlo methods - General strategies for solving the rendering equation - Stochastic path-tracing algorithms such as ray tracing and light tracing - Stochastic radiosity including photon density estimation and hierarchical Monte Carlo radiosity - Hybrid algorithms: weighted multi-pass, bi-directional path tracing, Metropolis light transport, irradiance caching, photon mapping and instant radiosity - Beyond the rendering equation: participating media, sub-surface scattering and more - Image display and human perception - Fast global illumination: render caching, interactive ray tracing, ... - Unresolved issues in photorealistic rendering - A class library for global illumination If you want to design and implement a global illumination rendering system or need to use and modify an existing system for your specific purpose, this book will give you the tools and the understanding to do so. Read Less