We present a rigorous theoretical formulation of the fundamental problem ---indirect illumination from area sources via curved ideal specular surfaces. Intensity and area factors are introduced to clarify this problem and to rectify the radiance from these specular surfaces. They take surface geometry, such as Gaussian curvature, into account. Based on this formulation, an algorithm for integrating ideal specular transfers into global illumination is also presented. This algorithm can deal with curved specular reflectors and transmitters. An implementation is described based on wavefront tracing and progressive radiosity. The intensity and area factors are computed using bi-directional wavefront tracing. This algorithm removes the previous restriction to point light sources on wavefront tracing. Sample images generated by this method are presented.
Paper postscript and pdf files as it appears in the proceedings of EUROGRAPHICS'97.
