Published online by Cambridge University Press: 11 January 2001
Visual rendering is the process of creating synthetic images of digital models. Themodelling of sound synthesis and propagation in a virtual space is called sound rendering. Inthis article we review different audiovisual rendering techniques suitable for realtimerendering of three-dimensional virtual worlds. Virtual environments are usefulin various application areas, for example in architectural visualisation. With audiovisualrendering, lighting and acoustics of a modelled concert hall can be experiencedearly in the design stage of the building. In this article we demonstrate aninteractive audiovisual rendering system where an animated virtual orchestra plays ina modelled concert hall. Virtual musicians are conducted by a real conductorwho wears a wired data dress suit and a baton. The conductor and the audiencehear the music rendered according to the acoustics of the virtual concert hall,creating a lifelike experience.