Interactive Illumination with Coherent Shadow Maps

Abstract

We present a new method for interactive illumination computations based on precomputed visibility using coherent shadow maps (CSMs). It is well-known that visibility queries dominate the cost of physically based rendering. Precomputing all visibility events, for instance in the form of many shadow maps, enables fast queries and allows for real-time computation of illumination but requires prohibitive amounts of storage. We propose a lossless compression scheme for visibility information based on shadow maps that efficiently exploits coherence. We demonstrate a Monte Carlo renderer for direct lighting using CSMs that runs entirely on graphics hardware. We support spatially varying BRDFs, normal maps, and environment maps all with high frequencies, spatial as well as angular. Multiple dynamic rigid objects can be combined in a scene. As opposed to precomputed radiance transfer techniques, that assume distant lighting, our method includes distant lighting as well as local area lights of arbitrary shape, varying intensity, or anisotropic light distribution that can freely vary over time.