Physically Based Path Tracing Parameter Optimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Physically based volumetric rendering techniques, such as Monte Carlo path tracing, are computationally intensive and time-consuming due to the need for thousands of stochastic samples per pixel, making them unsuitable for real-time applications, and simplifications to reduce rendering time often compromise image realism.

Innovation Solution

A method to determine optimal sets of parameters for physically based rendering processes, including trajectory splitting and temporal image reusage, to minimize rendering time while maintaining image quality, by defining performance metrics and evaluating combinations of parameters to satisfy predetermined criteria.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If physically based volumetric rendering using Monte Carlo path tracing is used to achieve realistic images, then image quality and realism are improved, but rendering time increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage qualityVSAvoidrendering time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-computing and storing parameter sets that have been optimized for specific rendering apparatus configurations. Instead of performing time-consuming optimization during actual rendering, the system prepares parameter sets in advance for different hardware types (integrated vs discrete graphics processors), allowing fast retrieval and application during rendering operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by systematically varying rendering parameters (such as number of paths, stochastic samples per pixel, and other path tracing parameters) to identify optimal configurations for different rendering apparatuses. The system determines parameter sets that balance image quality and rendering time, then selects appropriate parameter sets based on the detected graphics processor type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If the number of stochastic samples per pixel is increased to reduce noise and improve image quality, then image realism is improved, but computational complexity and rendering time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage qualityVSAvoidcomputational complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the number of stochastic samples per pixel as part of a comprehensive parameter set. The system determines optimal sample counts that achieve acceptable image quality without excessive computational complexity, and adjusts this parameter based on the rendering apparatus capabilities and performance requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements partial action by using a sufficient but not excessive number of stochastic samples per pixel. Rather than uniformly applying high sample counts across all pixels and scenarios, the system selects parameter sets that provide adequate sampling for achieving realistic images while avoiding the diminishing returns of excessive sampling that would unnecessarily increase computational complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Productivity

If simplifications are made to the physically based rendering algorithm to reduce rendering time, then rendering speed is improved, but image realism is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverendering speedVSAvoidimage realism
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing path tracing parameters such as the number of paths and stochastic samples to achieve the best balance between rendering speed and image realism. The system determines parameter sets that maintain physically based rendering accuracy while reducing computational requirements compared to default or maximum settings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamics by making the rendering parameters adaptive to the specific rendering apparatus being used. The system detects whether an integrated or discrete graphics processor is available and dynamically selects appropriate parameter sets, allowing the rendering process to adapt its complexity and performance characteristics to match the available hardware capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Productivity

If custom parameter sets are determined for specific rendering apparatus types, then rendering performance is optimized, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverendering performanceVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the parameter optimization into distinct categories based on rendering apparatus type. The system creates separate parameter sets for different graphics processor types (integrated vs discrete), allowing each segment to be optimized independently for its specific performance characteristics without requiring a completely custom solution for every individual device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements universality by creating parameter sets that are applicable to multiple rendering apparatuses within each category. Rather than creating unique parameters for every individual device, the system develops universal parameter sets that work effectively across different integrated graphics processors and different discrete graphics processors, reducing the overall number of parameter sets needed while still achieving device-specific optimization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11398072B1Method of obtaining a set of values for a respective set of parameters for use in a physically based path tracing process and a method of rendering using a physically based path tracing process
Publication Date: 2022.07.26 SIEMENS HEALTHINEERS AG
  • US11398072B1 patent drawing
  • US11398072B1 patent drawing
  • US11398072B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A method of obtaining a set of values for a respective set of parameters for use in a physically based rendering process to be implemented by a rendering apparatus to render an image of a dataset is described. The method includes defining a performance metric indicative of a performance of a rendering apparatus in implementing a physically based rendering process including path tracing to render an image using a given number of paths; and determining, for the rendering apparatus, a set of values for the set of parameters for which the performance metric satisfies a criterion.