Quoted directly -
"Global-illumination (GI) computation has been the subject of intense
research in computer graphics for many years, but it has only recently
been extensively used in practical applications. Major industries, such
as videogame and film production, architecture, and design, now use GI
to produce CG imagery with increased realism. However, trade-offs differ
in these applications, so each uses a significantly different GI
computation technique.
This course provides an overview of GI computation in practical
applications across and within industries. It focuses on juxtaposing the
domain-specific decision processes that influence the choice of a
particular solution. Each technique is presented in the context of the
objectives and constraints set by the application. The course reviews
the strong and weak points of each implementation and possibilities for
further innovation."
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