What is 3D Ray Tracing?
Generally speaking, ray tracing is the calculation of a light ray from the point of view or camera to the light source. The reverse (from the light to the camera/point of view) is known as Backward ray tracing. Ray tracing technology is typically noted for its capability to generate super-realistic reflections and refractions in renderings. However, the concept of ray tracing can be taken much further to include effects such as soft shadows and caustics (light refraction in water). In the next few sections, we will explore some concepts surrounding ray tracing and, more specifically, ray tracing in your 3D Application. Recursive Ray trace: The method of backward ray tracer closely emulates the physics of light in the real world. Essentially, infinitely thin light rays are emitted from all light sources in all directions. Of the millions of rays cast, the ones that bounce or intersect surfaces eventually end up hitting the camera. The result is that each rendered pixel on the screen is
