We examine various simple algorithms that exploit homogeneity and accumulate2 opacity for tracing rays through shaded volumes. Most of these methods have error criteria which allow them to trade quality for speed. The time vs. quality tradeoff for these adaptive methods is compared to fixed step multiresolution methods. These methods are also useful for general light transport in volumes.

Fast algorithms for volume ray tracing

Although the Monte Carlo method is considered to be the most accurate method available for solving radiation transport problems, its applicability is limited by its computational expense. Thus, bia...

Automated variance reduction of Monte Carlo shielding calculations using the discrete ordinates adjoint function

Monte carlo variance reduction with deterministic importance functions

The wide adoption of path‐tracing algorithms in high‐end realistic rendering has stimulated many diverse research initiatives. In this paper we present a coherent survey of methods that utilize Monte Carlo integration for estimating light transport in scenes containing participating media. Our work complements the volume‐rendering state‐of‐the‐art report by Cerezo et al. [ CPP*05 ]; we review publications accumulated since its publication over a decade ago, and include earlier methods that are key for building light transport paths in a stochastic manner. We begin by describing analog and non‐analog procedures for free‐path sampling and discuss various expected‐value, collision, and track‐length estimators for computing transmittance. We then review the various rendering algorithms that employ these as building blocks for path sampling. Special attention is devoted to null‐collision methods that utilize fictitious matter to handle spatially varying densities; we import two “next‐flight” estimators originally developed in nuclear sciences. Whenever possible, we draw connections between image‐synthesis techniques and methods from particle physics and neutron transport to provide the reader with a broader context.

Monte Carlo Methods for Volumetric Light Transport Simulation

6 – Applications of the Monte Carlo Method in Radiotherapy

The use of the Monte Carlo method for the study of deep penetration of radiation into and through shields entails the use of sophisticated methods of variance reduction to make such calculations ec...

R.R. Coveyou

Papers

Adjoint and Importance in Monte Carlo Application