Real-time Neural Six-way Lightmaps
Paper: Real-time Neural Six-way Lightmaps (2604.03748)
Published: 4 Apr 2026.
Learn more on Emergent Mind: https://www.emergentmind.com/papers/2...
arXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/2604.03748
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This presentation explores a breakthrough in interactive volumetric rendering that enables real-time smoke, fog, and explosions in video games and VR. The research introduces a neural architecture that predicts six-way lightmaps from screen-space guiding maps, achieving photorealistic volumetric effects in under 4 milliseconds per frame while supporting dynamic cameras, arbitrary lighting, and interactive obstacles—capabilities impossible with traditional precomputed lightmaps.