dgplab@dgp.toronto.edu (Ian Small) (06/08/88)
There has been some discussion recently on the net concerning public domain ray tracers, and our ray tracer, Optik, in particular. This posting should clarify the origins and availability of Optik. Optik is a renderer developed by the University of Toronto's Dynamic Graphics Project as a vehicle for research in ray tracing. As such, Optik contains unpublished research material relating to ray-object intersection algorithms, illumination and shading models and space-subdivision techniques. While we understand the need for public-domain software, we believe that it is inappropriate to release Optik for distribution at this time. We regret any confusion caused by earlier discussion on the net. The copy of Optik at the University of California at Santa Cruz was provided to them with the understanding that they could modify and enhance the software, but not distribute it in any form, as was noted in a posting several days ago. We trust that this explanation is sufficient to clarify any misunderstandings or confusion. -- Ian S. Small Dynamic Graphics Project Lab Manager Computer Systems Research Institute University of Toronto (416) 978-6619 Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A4