Frédo Durand

Title: Frédo Durand: Innovator in Image Rendering Technology

Introduction

Frédo Durand is a prominent inventor based in Boston, MA, known for his contributions to the field of image rendering technology. His innovative work focuses on enhancing the visual quality of rendered images, particularly in the context of volumetric shadows.

Latest Patents

Frédo Durand holds a patent for "Rendering images with volumetric shadows using rectified height maps for independence in processing camera rays." This patent outlines a sophisticated method for rendering scenes with participating media. The process involves generating a depth map from a camera viewpoint and a shadow map from a light source. It includes converting the shadow map using epipolar rectification to form a rectified shadow map, generating an approximation to visibility terms in a scattering integral, and computing a 1D min-max mipmap or other acceleration data structures for rectified shadow map rows. The method allows for efficient traversal of the mipmap/data structure to find lit segments, ultimately leading to the accumulation of values for the scattering integral for specific camera rays. The rendered pixel values take into account these accumulated values, enhancing the overall image quality. The scattering near an epipole of the rectified shadow map may utilize brute force ray marching when the epipole is on or near the screen. This innovative process can be implemented using a GPU for parallel operations.

Career Highlights

Frédo Durand is currently employed at Disney Enterprises, Inc., where he continues to push the boundaries of image rendering technology. His work has significantly impacted the way images are processed and rendered in various applications, particularly in the entertainment industry.

Collaborations

Throughout his career, Frédo has collaborated with notable colleagues, including Jiawen Chen and Ilya Baran. These collaborations have fostered a creative environment that encourages innovation and the development of cutting-edge technologies.

Conclusion

Frédo Durand's contributions to image rendering technology exemplify the spirit of innovation in the field. His patent and ongoing work at Disney Enterprises, Inc. highlight his commitment to advancing visual technology.