Using Grid Computing for Rendering to Support 3D Animation Training Courses

Rendering of an animated scene is considered to be one of the most important steps in 3D animation construction. Rendering basically converts 3D geometric models into graphic images. In 3D animation training courses, rendering complex 3D models is a very time consuming task since thousands of frames are needed to create an animation. It is considered one of the major limitations for creating professional 3D animation. This paper presents the use of grid computing for 3D rendering. It can reduce the rendering time and still maintain the quality of the final animation. Software and system architecture solutions are proposed and developed. A graphical user interface (GUI) plug-in and web portal were developed in order to access grid computing facilities. Animators are able to render highly complex 3D models in order to create their animation sequences by using high performance grid computer technologies, monitor rendered scenes, and download the finished images from the server to their own computer. These applications can be used as tools to assist animators in developing their animations and motivate them to produce a better quality animation within optimum cost and time parameters.