A new algorithm for interactive graphics on multicomputers

As nonshared-memory multiple instruction, multiple data (MIMD) systems become more common, it becomes important to develop parallel rendering algorithms for them. These systems, known as multicomputers, can produce data sets so large that it is difficult to visualize the data on conventional graphics systems, especially if the visualization proceeds in tandem with the calculation. Parallel systems must run interactive graphics to allow convenient visualizations of their computations. While few parallel systems currently have a frame buffer that will support interactive rendering, such systems should be more common in the future. This article describes an algorithm suited for interactive polygon rendering, where the model's image on screen generally has frame-to-frame coherence. The algorithm uses this coherence to perform load-balancing calculations in parallel with the other calculations. The algorithm also uses an optimized version of personalized all-to-all communication, where all processors communicate with all other processors.<
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