Vulkan Ray Tracing Renderer: The Next-Level Graphics Engine

This is an advanced graphics rendering project built on top of the Walnut App Template. It utilizes the Vulkan API to produce high-quality ray-traced graphics. Unlike the basic Walnut example, this project keeps Walnut as an external submodule, ideal for building scalable and complex applications.

Status: In Development

Role: Solo Developer

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Getting Started

1. Clone this repository.
2. Customize the premake5.lua and RayTracing/RayTracingRenderer/premake5.lua files as needed.
3. Run scripts/Setup.bat to generate Visual Studio 2022 solution/project files.
4. Your main app is located in the RayTracing/RayTracingRenderer/src/WalnutApp.cpp directory. Start modifying this project to suit your needs.

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Features

Core Features

• Ray and Sphere Calculations
• Sphere Rendering
• Ray Casting
• Lighting and Shading
• Interactive 3D Camera System
• Multi-Object Rendering
• Ray Tracing Pipeline
• Physically Based Materials
• Path Tracing
• Multithreading

Additional Features

• Performance Optimization
• Emissive Materials
• Fast Random Generation

UI Options

• Enable/Disable Accumulation for Noise
• Change Materials and Transforms of Objects

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Technologies Used

• Vulkan
• C++
• Walnut as an external submodule

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Additional Notes

• Development Path: This project originated as a CPU-based renderer and is now transitioning to leverage GPU capabilities.

• Future Considerations: Techniques like NVIDIA DLSs (Deep Learning Super Sampling) or AI Sampling may be integrated in the future.

• Compatibility: This project is based on the Walnut App Template and can serve as a foundational base for future game engines.

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UPCOMING

Transition to full GPU-based rendering is currently underway to unlock next-level performance and quality.