Folks, I could need a bit of help with a maths problem.

I need an algorithm to generate random points on the surface of a
sphere, conforming to the following criteria:

- The distribution must be radially symmetric around the Y axis.
- The sample density should be roughly uniform, except for a pronounced
peak centered at +Y (but not -Y!)
- For each random point generated, the algorithm also needs to compute
the theoretical sample density at that location.
- The algorithm must be reasonably fast.

Ideally, the algorithm should also have the following properties:

- The density should fall off smoothly from the peak.
- The algorithm should have a parameter to govern the "tightness" of the
peak.
- The sample density away from the peak should approach (but not reach!)
zero.

Post a reply to this message