The radiosity method has become a powerful rendering technique in computer graphics to generate realistic images. Its ability to model interreflections between diffuse surfaces and its physical correctness make it a good tool in many applications such as architectural design, lighting design and entertainment. However, radiosity is generally an expensive rendering technique, both computationally and in terms of memory utilization....[ Read more ]

The radiosity method has become a powerful rendering technique in computer graphics to generate realistic images. Its ability to model interreflections between diffuse surfaces and its physical correctness make it a good tool in many applications such as architectural design, lighting design and entertainment. However, radiosity is generally an expensive rendering technique, both computationally and in terms of memory utilization.

In recent years, much research has been done to improve the radiosity method in terms of accuracy and efficiency. This thesis combines the three most important techniques suggested in the literature: higher order radiosity, hierarchical radiosity and discontinuity meshing. The standard algorithm and benefits of each technique are discussed. A new algorithm that combines these techniques is introduced to provide an efficient and accurate way for realistic image synthesis. Experimental comparisons are presented for the current results to show that the new approach captures the benefits of all the three techniques.