Ray-tracing technology may turn out to be a breakthrough in the field of graphics in computer games and that is why we are all the more pleased with announcements from overseas, and more specifically from the GDC 2018 conference, where Microsoft announced DirectX Raytracing technology for the DirectX 12 API, and NVIDIA based on this solution developed RTX.
Let's start with the so-called ray tracking is a technique for generating photorealistic three-dimensional scenes, which is based on analyzing only light rays that go directly to an observer. While in fact photons of light are reflected from various objects before they reach our eyes, the process is reversed here, which results from technical limitations. The same rays are sent from the point of the "camera" towards the stage, which it observes and when they hit an object, check its properties, as well as light sources around it and then calculate the exact color of the pixel on the screen. This technique has been used for years by the film industry, because it is much easier to implement it in the case of a non-interactive medium. However, NVIDIA believes
RTX effect of 10 years of work on advanced algorithms of computer graphics and architecture of graphic processes
NVIDIA RTX will operate based on DirectX Raytracing, but will receive exclusive effects from the GameWorks program, which will only be available on the Volta family cards (currently there is only one such model, i.e. TITAN V). It is due to some hardware requirements (no betrayal yet) and although older GPUs will support DirectX Raytracing, they do not have to count on full RTX support. The Greens emphasize that this is the effect of a 10-year work on advanced computer graphics algorithms and architecture of graphic processes. This is translated into photorealistic effects in games, including shadow shadows and ambient occlusion (NVIDIA mentions straight area shadows, glossy reflections and ambient occlusion). Simulating hundreds of rays per pixel is too ambitious, so for practical reasons, RTX in changes will use some tricks to optimize image quality. The GameWorks for Ray Tracing SDK will accelerate the work of developers and even the denesting module will appear here. If we are at the developers, then RTX showed such interest in motor manufacturers as Epic Games (Unreal Engine), Unity, EA / DICE (Frostbite) or Allegorithmic, as well as studies from EA, Remedy Entertainment and 4A Games. However, we will have to wait a bit longer for the first effects and implementation of ray-tracing technology. Unity, EA / DICE (Frostbite) or Allegorithmic and studies from EA, Remedy Entertainment or 4A Games. However, we will have to wait a bit longer for the first effects and implementation of ray-tracing technology. Unity, EA / DICE (Frostbite) or Allegorithmic and studies from EA, Remedy Entertainment or 4A Games. However, we will have to wait a bit longer for the first effects and implementation of ray-tracing technology.
AMD has also ensured that it is working with Microsoft to use this technology and has issued the following statement on the matter:
"AMD works with Microsoft to help define, improve and support the future of DirectX 12 and" raytracing "technology. Due to the solid, systemic and future-oriented basis of graphical programming, AMD remains in the vanguard of the development of new programming models and innovation of application programming interfaces (APIs). We can not wait to talk with game developers about their ideas and opinions related to computer (PC) "raytracing" techniques and applying them to improve image quality, obtain new visual effects and improve performance. "