Ray tracing is a general technique from geometrical optics of modelling the path taken by light by following rays of light as they interact with optical surfaces. It is used in the design of optical systems, such as camera lenses, microscopes, telescopes and binoculars. The term is also applied to mean a specific rendering algorithmic approach in 3D computer graphics, where mathematically-modelled visualisations of programmed scenes are produced using a technique which follows rays from the eyepoint outward, rather than originating at the light sources. It produces results similar to ray casting and scanline rendering, but facilitates more advanced optical effects, such as accurate simulations of reflection and refraction, and is still efficient enough to frequently be of practical use when such high quality output is sought.

Broad description of ray tracing computer algorithm

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Ray tracing describes a more realistic method than either ray casting or scanline rendering, for producing visual images constructed in 3D computer graphics environments. It works by tracing in reverse, a path that could have been taken by a ray of light which would intersect the imaginary camera lens. As the scene is traversed by following in reverse the path of a very large number of such rays, visual information on the appearance of the scene as viewed from the point of view of the camera, and in lighting conditions specified to the software, is built up. The ray's reflection, refraction, or absorption are calculated when it intersects objects and media in the scene.

Scenes in raytracing are described mathematically, usually by a programmer, or by a visual artist using intermediary tools, but they may also incorporate data from images and models captured by various technological means, for instance digital photography.

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