Improved rendering algorithm of caustics and shadows based on caustic volume

For transparent objects modeled by triangular mesh, we present an improved rendering algorithm for caustics and shadows based on caustic volume method. Traditional caustic volume algorithm generates caustic volumes for triangles that can be viewed from light source position in accordance with geometrical optics formula. But it only applies to large-scale water. Using subdivision for triangles, our improved algorithm increases the applicability of caustic volume method. Besides, based on the observation that caustic volumes have covered both caustics and shadows region, this algorithm estimates the radiation of caustics and shadows in similar way and generates high-quality caustics and shadows for transparent objects simultaneously.