System and method for generating pixel values for pixels in an image using strictly deterministic methodologies for generating sample points

Abstract

A computer graphics system generates a pixel value for a pixel in an image, the pixel being representative of a point in a scene as recorded on an image plane of a simulated camera. The computer graphics system comprises a sample point generator and a function evaluator. The sample point generator is configured to generate a set of sample points representing at least one simulated element of the simulated camera, the sample points representing elements of, illustratively, for sample points on the image plane, during time intervals during which the shutter is open, and on the lens, a Hammersley sequence, and, for use in global illumination, a scrambled Halton sequence. The function evaluator is configured to generate at least one value representing an evaluation of a selected function at sample points generated by the sample point generator, those values corresponding to the pixel value.

1 . A computer graphics system for generating a pixel value for a pixel in an image, the pixel being representative of a point in a scene as recorded on an image plane of a simulated camera, the computer graphics system comprising:
 A. a sample point generator configured to generate a set of sample points representing at least one simulated element of the simulated camera, the sample points representing elements of a Hammersley sequence; and   B. a function evaluator configured to generate at least one value representing an evaluation of said selected function at one of the sample points generated by said sample point generator, the value generated by the function evaluator corresponding to the pixel value.   
     
     
         2 . A computer graphics method for generating a pixel value for a pixel in an image, the pixel being representative of a point in a scene as recorded on an image plane of a simulated camera, the computer graphics method comprising:
 A. a sample point generating step in which a set of sample points are generated representing at least one simulated element of the simulated camera, the sample points representing elements of a Hammersley sequence; and   B. a function evaluation step in which at least one value is generated representing an evaluation of said selected function at one of the sample points generated by said sample point generator, the value generated by the function evaluator corresponding to the pixel value.   
     
     
         3 . A computer program product for use in connection with a computer to provide a computer graphics system for generating a pixel value for a pixel in an image, the pixel being representative a of a point in a scene as recorded on an image plane of a simulated camera, the computer program product comprising a machine readable medium having encoded thereon:
 A. a sample point generator module configured to enable the computer to generate a set of sample points representing at least one simulated element of the simulated camera, the sample points representing elements of a Hammersley sequence; and   B. a function evaluator module configured to enable the computer to generate at least one value representing an evaluation of said selected function at one of the sample points generated by said sample point generator module, the value generated by the function evaluator corresponding to the pixel value.