A lightweight ray tracer optimized for MicroPython-based Micro Controllers, featuring fast pixel rendering, framebuffer optimizations, and C-accelerated shading calculations.

• Framebuffer Rendering: Faster pixel updates using framebuf
• Optimized Shading: Uses a C module for fast lighting calculations
• Integer Math: Reduces slow floating-point operations
• ESP32/RP2040 Parallel Processing: Can utilize multi-core rendering (optional)
• Modular Structure: Easily customizable for different displays and resolutions

Ensure your board has MicroPython installed. If not, download it from: MicroPython Downloads

Upload the setup script and install dependencies:

mpremote fs cp setup.py :/setup.py mpremote run setup.py

Transfer all required source files to your MicroPython device:

mpremote fs cp -r src :/src mpremote fs cp -r modules :/modules

If using ESP32/RP2040, compile the C module for optimized shading:

mpy-cross modules/fast_raytrace.c

Refer to MicroPython's C module guide for detailed instructions.

Run the ray tracer with:

import src.main 

Output: Will render a simple sphere with shading

/ray_tracer_project │── /src │ ├── graphics.py # Handles pixel drawing & framebuffer │ ├── ray_tracer.py # Main ray tracing logic │ ├── main.py # Entry point of the program │── /modules │ ├── fast_raytrace.c # C module for faster shading │── setup.py # Installs required modules 

graphics.py:

• Uses framebuf for efficient screen updates
• Draws pixels via the display driver
• Implements clear screen & refresh functions

ray_tracer.py:

• Traces rays to detect sphere intersections
• Calculates shading intensity based on a light source
• Uses the fast C module for improved performance

• Batch pixel updates reduce display lag
• Precomputed math avoids redundant calculations
• C acceleration speeds up shading operations

Modify the following parameters in ray_tracer.py:

• Resolution (WIDTH, HEIGHT)
• Sphere Position (SPHERE_POS)
• Light Source (LIGHT_POS)
• Color Intensity (shade() function in fast_raytrace.c)

Built off of "https://github.com/CPScript/fx-CG50_RayTracer"