In article <3d2f1e0c@news.povray.org>, "Slime" <slm### [at] slimelandcom> 
wrote:

> Now, I'm aware that other programs like lightwave are able to create this
> effect much faster than POV-Ray does. But how do they do it? I'd be
> interested in reading a bit about the algorithm used. Obviously it's not
> just sampling a ray at intervals, because that would be as slow as POV-Ray
> is about it. Does anyone know how it's done with other programs?

As you said, they don't sample a ray. Most likely, they use a scanline 
method, projecting layers of media onto the screen to build up an 
additive media effect.
Also, those programs are able to use assembly level optimizations and 
SIMD instructions, which POV can't take advantage of.


> And is there a reason why POV-Ray doesn't implement one of these other
> techniques?

POV-Ray is a raytracer, not a scanline renderer. (Persistance Of Vision 
*Raytracer*)

-- 
Christopher James Huff <chr### [at] maccom>
POV-Ray TAG e-mail: chr### [at] tagpovrayorg
TAG web site: http://tag.povray.org/

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