Method and apparatus for simulation of optical systems

Abstract

Computer-implemented methods of simulating optical systems such as backlights, and machine-readable media for carrying out such methods, are disclosed. The optical systems include optical elements. In some cases, different first and second probability functions can be acquired for first and second elements (respectively) of the optical system. A combined probability function can then be calculated using at least the first and second probability functions, and rays can be traced through the optical system using the combined probability function. The first, second, and combined probability functions can be bidirectional scattering distribution functions (BSDFs), having values stored in cells wherein each cell corresponds to a particular entrance and exiting direction. Some methods can include acquiring a first probability function associated with a first element, the first probability function including cell values as a function of incident direction and exiting direction. Rays can be traced through the optical system using the first probability function.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.