The core objective is to create a program capable of rendering 3D scenes by simulating the way light interacts with objects, using ray tracing techniques. This method offers a deep understanding of fundamental graphics concepts such as lighting models, shadows, reflections, and more, providing a solid foundation in both the theory and application of computer graphics.
Here is an example of what our miniRT can do:
- Basic Shapes: Render three fundamental shapes - sphere, cylinder, and infinite plane.
- Lighting: Implement basic lighting models including ambient lighting and brightness adjustments.
- Camera: Utilize a camera to view the scene from different perspectives.
- Threading: Improve performance by implementing multithreading.
- Anti-Aliasing: Achieve smoother images by randomly distributing rays around the pixel to average color values.
- New Object - Cone: Introduce an additional geometric shape for more complex scenes.
- Enhanced Lighting: Support for colored and multiple light sources.
- Textures: Apply a checker texture to any object for added visual detail.
This project not only demystifies the process behind generating photorealistic images but also sharpens problem-solving and software engineering skills. It challenges students to apply complex mathematical concepts and optimize algorithms for performance, preparing them for future endeavors in computer graphics and beyond.
Clone the repository and compile the project:
git clone https://github.com/hanmpark/miniRT
cd miniRT
make allFor the bonus part, compile with make bonus
Run the executable with a scene description file:
./miniRT [scene_file.rt]