RENDERING * is the process of generating an image from a model (or models in what collectively could be called a scene file), by means of computer programs. * The term "rendering" may be by analogy with an "artist's rendering" of a scene. Though the technical details of rendering methods vary, the general challenges to overcome in producing a 2D image from a 3D representation stored in a scene file are outlined as the graphics pipeline along a rendering device, such as a GPU.
GPU (graphics processing unit) * GPU is a purpose-built device able to assist a CPU in performing complex rendering calculations. If a scene is to look relatively realistic and predictable under virtual lighting, the rendering software should solve the rendering equation.

Features of Rendering SHADING * how the color and brightness of a surface varies with lighting. TEXTURE-MAPPING * a method of applying detail to surfaces. SHADOWS * the effect of obstructing light. REFLECTION * mirror-like or highly glossy reflection. CAUSTICS * (a form of indirect illumination) * reflection of light off a shiny object, or focusing of light through a transparent object, to produce bright highlights on another object. DEPTH OF FIELD * objects appear blurry or out of focus when too far in front of or behind the object in focus. Techniques in Rendering RASTERIZATION * geometrically projects objects in the scene to an image plane, without advanced optical effects. RAY CASTING * considers the scene as observed from a specific point of view, calculating the observed image based only on geometry and very basic optical laws of reflection intensity, and perhaps using Monte Carlo techniques to reduce artifacts. RAY TRACING * is similar to ray casting, but employs more advanced optical simulation, and usually uses Monte Carlo techniques to obtain more realistic results at a speed that is often orders of magnitude slower. RADIOSITY * is not usually implemented as a rendering technique, but instead calculates the passage of light as it leaves the light source and illuminates surfaces. Software Used in Rendering ARNOLD * Arnold is an advanced Monte Carlo ray tracing renderer built for the demands of feature-length animation and visual effects movies. Originally co-developed with Sony Pictures Imageworks, Arnold is now used at over 250 studios worldwide including ILM, Framestore, The Mill and Digic Pictures. Arnold was the primary renderer on dozens of films from Monster House and Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs to Pacific Rim and Gravity. It is available as a standalone renderer on Linux, Windows and Mac OS X, and is accessible through plug-ins for Maya, Softimage and Houdini. Where can we see Arnold? Arnold has been used in dozens of films, commercials, shorts and video games cinematics like Gravity, Qualcomm Dragon, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, Nissan Car, Assassins Creed and Ironman. MAXWELL * is a software package that aids in the production of photorealistic images from computer 3D model data; a 3D renderer. It was introduced as an early alpha on December 2004 (after 2 years of internal development) and it utilized a global illumination (G.I.) algorithm based on a metropolis light transport variation. LuxRender * is a free and open source software rendering system for physically correct image synthesis. The program runs on Linux, Mac OS X, and Microsoft Windows. Its features only a 3D renderer; it relies on other programs (3D modeling programs) to create the scenes to render, including the models, materials, lights and cameras. This content can then be exported from the application it was created in for rendering using LuxRender. Fully functional exporters are available for Blender, DAZ Studio and Autodesk 3ds Max; partially functional ones for Cinema 4D, Maya, SketchUp and XSI. INDIGO RENDER * is a 3D rendering software that uses unbiased rendering technologies to create photo-realistic images. In doing so, Indigo uses equations that simulate the behaviour of light, with no approximations or guesses taken. It uses methods such as Metropolis light transport (MLT), spectral light calculus, and virtual camera model. Scene data is stored in XML or IGS format. OCTANE RENDER * is the world's first GPU based, un-biased, physically based renderer. It uses the video card in your computer to render photorealistic results fast. This allows the user to create stunning works in a fraction of the time of traditional CPU based renderers. * is the world's fastest unbiased photorealistic renderer producing stunningly life-like images of the highest possible quality, making it the ultimate renderering solution for architectural visualization, product design and 3D animation rendering. RENDERMAN(PIXAR) * is Pixar’s primary renderer and one of the most influential and respected renderers in the world. Not only has every major Pixar film and thus many Academy Award winning animated feature films used it, is also the blue ribbon high end package that all other renderers must be compared to. * The first use of the word RenderMan was in the RenderMan Interface Specification, in 1988. Strictly speaking, PRMan is a RenderMan compliant renderer, and there are other RenderMan compliant renderers not made by Pixar.