Generating rendering cost estimates

#1. Field of the Invention

#The invention relates generally to rendering computer-generated images. More particularly, the invention relates to a system and method for generating a rendering cost estimate that is sufficiently close to an actual rendering cost that would be incurred if the computer-generated images were actually rendered.

#2. Background Information

#The novel features of the invention are set forth in the appended claims. The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements. The invention itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings:

#FIG. 1 is a flow diagram that shows generating a rendering cost estimate according to one embodiment of the present invention;

#FIG. 2 is a flow diagram that shows a first exemplary method for generating a rendering cost estimate according to one embodiment of the present invention;

#A system and method are described for generating a rendering cost estimate that is sufficiently close to an actual rendering cost that would be incurred, should the actual rendering job be performed. The rendering cost estimate is a value that approximates an actual cost or expenditure of resources (e.g., time, price, computer processing time) to render one or more images.

#Broadly stated, embodiments of the invention comprise providing representative information derived from a computer-graphics model to be rendered, such as a 3D model, to a rendering cost estimator and generating a rendering cost estimate based on the representative information. The computer-graphics model may be any computer-readable medium, such as a computer file, or a datastructure, that may be used in rendering, such as to provide graphics content or representative information. The representative information may be derived from the computer-graphics model by being present in the computer-graphics model, being calculated or otherwise determined based on other information in the computer-graphics model, or may be user-supplied information taken in connection with the computer-graphics model. In one embodiment, the representative information includes rendering cost estimation parameters that represent cost factors that are associated with graphics content or affect rendering calculations. According to one embodiment, the rendering cost estimate is based on using relationships, such as heuristic, empirical, statistical, algorithmic, logical, semi-theoretical, and theoretical relationships to express a plurality of rendering cost estimation parameters and generate a rendering cost estimate that is sufficiently close to an actual rendering cost that would be incurred, should the rendering job actually be completed.

#Typically, the representative information includes as little information or as few estimation parameters as possible to sufficiently characterize the cost factors that are included in the rendering cost estimation method. In one embodiment, the number of cost factors and rendering cost estimation parameters included in the method balance the need to obtain an accurate estimate with the need to avoid making development of the method burdensome. In one embodiment, a cost for generating the rendering cost estimate should be substantially less than the actual rendering cost. For example, it would be desirable if the estimating cost were between approximately {fraction (1/100)}th to {fraction (1/100,000)}th of the actual rendering cost.