High-performance computer animation rendering framework

Rendering computer animation frames is a very time consuming job. Using parallel computing on clusters and so-called render farms is a common solution to this problem. However, there also exists a significant obstacle in sending large gigabytes computer animation files across the Internet. In this report, we describe how Grid computing can be used for computer animation rendering. We propose a framework for Grid rendering services, describe its implementation, and present the results and statistics. We also propose an efficient lossless compression algorithm devised for transferring gigabytes of 3D scene representation files in RenderMan® and mental images® data formats. We illustrate how the algorithm works within a developed framework for Grid rendering services, and present the results and statistics. This compression algorithm has been filed for patent in Singapore.