Year: 1995
Type: dissertation
Abstract: This thesis describes an efficient and robust implementation of the "Supervisor-Worker" model for distributing and coordinating the parallel tasks of image generation[l] .Image generation by ray-tracing is well suited for effective distributed processing due to its intensi ve computations and its ability to be divided into independent components.A system for utilizing clusters of interconnected workstations as a distributed platform for generating photo-realistic images and animations is presented.Additionally, enhancements to the ray-tracing .technique of image generation are presented.Specifically, an "adaptive" octree method for organizing the, objects within a scene is discussed.utilizing the presented distributed application and enhancements to the ray-tracing technique, a near linear performance increase is experienced for certain characteristic images.Al though near linear performance can be observed for certain images, analysis of the presented model reveals several factors which limit the speed-up which can be achieved by distributing image generation across a cluster of workstations.Correlations between performance and image complexity, image size, and communication overhead of the presented model are examined.Further, the communication overhead and its effect on performance is evaluated in terms of the network medium used to connect the workstations of a cluster. 1 A high-speed switch designed specifically for clustering workstations is compared to Ethernet to analyze the performance impact on image generation, utilizing the presented "Supervisor-Worker" model.
Source: Lehigh Preserve
Author: Darrin Weber
Language: English
Field: Computer Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7133038869