Implementing LOD for physically-based real-time fire rendering

Abstract

In this paper, I present a framework for implementing level of detail (LOD) for a 3d physically based fire rendering running on the GPU. While realistic fire rendering that runs in real time exists, it is generally not used in real-time applications such as game, due to the high cost of running such a rendering. Most research into the rendering of fire is only concerned with the fire itself, and not how it can best be included in larger scenes with a multitude of other complex objects. I present methods for increasing the efficiency of a physically based fire rendering without harming its visual quality, by dynamically adjusting the detail level of the fire according to its importance for the current view. I adapt and use methods created both for LOD and for other areas to alter the detail level of the visualization and simulation of a fire rendering. The desired detail level is calculated by evaluating certain conditions such as visibility and distance from the viewpoint, and then used to adjust the detail level of the visualization and simulation of the fire. The implementation of the framework could not be completed in time, but a number of tests were run to determine the effect of the different methods used. These results indicate that by making adjustments to the simulation and visualization of the fire, large boosts in performance are gained without significantly harming the visual quality of the fire rendering.