Efficient Sorting and Searching in Rendering Algorithms

Abstract

In the tutorial we show the connection between rendering algorithms and sorting and searching as classical problems studied in computer science. We provide both theoretical and empirical evidence that for many rendering techniques most time is spent by sorting and searching. In particular we discuss problems and solutions for visibility computation, density estimation, and importance sampling. For each problem we mention its specific issues such as dimensionality of the search domain or online versus offline searching. We will present the underlying data structures and their enhancements in the context of specific rendering algorithms such as ray tracing, photon mapping, and hidden surface removal.