Ray Tracing in Computer Graphics

Abstract

The research is about the development of light and shadow in video games on the Internet, and also to compare the light and shadow effects displayed on video game screens using different techniques. Then, the types and history of ray tracing technology are explained, its working principle is studied, and its pros and cons are analyzed. After the research, this paper finally determined that a viable ray tracing technique in the current society is hybrid ray tracing, which is a combination of forward and backward ray tracing. Because forward ray tracing methods are too inefficient while backward ray tracing methods cannot calculate and render the light entering in front of the lens. By studying 3 main hybrid ray tracing, their advantages, disadvantages and suitable application scenarios are analyzed and determined in detail. Finally, the development and improvement of the technology in recent years are discussed. Currently, analyses of a particular ray tracing technology do exist in the market. However, there are still few articles that explore all available ray tracing technologies, taking the reader through the history and current state of ray tracing development and giving developers a more visual comparison to help them choose the most appropriate technology for the scenarios they want to develop.