Path Tracing Software Development Kit version 1.0.0 was been published by NVIDIA, marking a significant step forward for RTX technologies and their incorporation of route tracers.
The NVIDIA RTX Path Tracing Software Development Kit version 1.0.0 is Already Available, and Real-Time Path Tracer Integration Will Soon Be a Reality.
The Path Tracing Software Development Kit (SDK) was included on the NVIDIA GameWorks Github website, which is where the announcement was made. According to an explanation provided by NVIDIA, the new Software Development Kit (SDK) is a code sample that aims to reflect years’ worth of study and expertise in ray tracing and neural graphics. Its purpose is to serve as a jumping off point for the integration of path tracers, as a reference for a variety of integrated SDKs, and/or as a platform for education and experimentation.
The underlying route tracing code is derived from NVIDIA’s Falcor Research Path Tracer, which has been adapted to the user-friendly C++/HLSL Donut framework.
DirectX 12 and Vulkan backends are supported.
- Modes of reference and real-time
- Basic BSDF model that is straightforward to extend
- A straightforward asset pipeline based on glTF 2.0 (support for a subset of glTF extensions including animation)
- NEE/visibility rays and significance sampling for environment maps with MIS
- Priority is given to basic volumes and nested dielectrics
- RayCone for MIP selection of texture
- Fundamental analytic illumination (directional, spot, point)
- RTXDI integration for ReSTIR DI and ReSTIR GI (low importance sampling) (indirect lighting)
- OMM integration for rapid alpha ray-tracing testing
- NRD Integration of ReLAX and ReBLUR denoiser with up to 3-layer path space decomposition (Stable Planes)
- Reference mode “photo mode” screenshot with fundamental OptiX denoiser integration
- TAA fundamentals, tone mapping, etc.
- Streamlining and DLSS incorporation (coming very soon)
- Requirements
- DXR Compatible Windows 10 20H1 (version 2004-10.0.19041) or later GPU
- GeForce Game Ready Driver version 531.18 or later DirectX 12 or Vulkan API DirectX Raytracing API version 1.1 or later Visual Studio 2019 or later
NVIDIA and CDProjektRed have just revealed that RTX Path Tracing would be used in Cyberpunk 2077’s Night City. The GDC session is one of two that NVIDIA will give on the 22nd and 23rd of April, and it focuses on the construction and integration of a real-time route tracer. It will be fascinating to observe how to route tracing outperforms ray tracing in enhancing the lighting and shadow quality of present and future AAA games.