Parallel computers converge on animation

With the introduction of small high speed RISC-based processors, the typical graphics workstation has become an important tool in the animation and CAD industries. Using many of these processors in parallel has provided an enormous amount of affordable computing power and encouraged the research and development of new tools to assist the engineer and animator in his everyday tasks. The aim of this paper is to investigate the use of parallel processing and the direct benefits in production that this new technology can bring to the areas of photo-realism, advanced animation concepts, and the full integration of synthetic and live action elements in the production of special effects sequences. Beginning with a short introduction to parallel processing, the paper examines the various aspects that such a system should provide, and then gives a breakdown of the system designed and implemented by Electric Image