BACKGROUND

Currently, 3D virtual environments require real-time, realistic visualization technologies, coupled with CAD/CAM, PLM and digital mockup solutions. Realistic lighting simulation consumes significant computing resources, limiting the usability of real-time image generation.

The PHOTOMAP technology accelerates realistic lighting of 3D scenes. The ray-tracing algorithm is optimized due to a pre-processing of the scene, computing the photon maps and the memory allocation for a better access to the data. It offers an interesting approach to global illumination in real-time.

KEY BENEFITS vs. EXISTING

Some solutions are available today, but require specific computing resources and/or feature and/or are unable of a near real-time visualization.

PHOTOMAP solution differentiates by:

• Near real-time visualization - 2-3 frames/sec, 700.000 triangles / 1.000.000 photons
• High-resolution mapping - 800x600 pixels
• Interactive light positions and points of view
• Memory-optimized GP-GPU implementation
• Robust and accurate solution

DEVELOPMENT STATUS

• C++ Software
• Operational prototype
• Performance enhancement undergoing

APPLICATIONS

3D modeling of indoor/outdoor environments in:

• Virtual mockup, virtual or augmented reality
• Immersive environments
• CAD / CAM and AEC (Architecture design)
• Digital Content Creation - Movies and gaming
• Digital Museum