Raytracer Math Question

[Rogue]

JetRacer wrote:
When a raytracer inside/outside (object) test is performed, a positive or negative float is returned, right?

Is this float the exact distance between the surface and the ray?

I'm not sure I understand what you mean with inside/outside tests...

Most tests assume that the ray is given as

r = P + t*d

with P being the origin point of the ray (eye or previous intersection), d being the direction vector, and t being a parameter in the range [0..+inf]. Most intersection tests will return the t of the intersection. Thus you can calculate the point of intercept by replacing the returned t in the above equation.

Is that what you mean?

[Rogue]

JetRacer wrote:
Sorry, I should have been more specific.

In the case of a native object, I shoot a ray and give it's coordinates (as distance equals object distance from camera) to the native formula which then return a float. This float is positive if the ray miss, or negative if ray hits.

Is this float reflecting distance; ray vs surface?

What do you mean with "native formula"? Can you give an example of the type of primitive and the formula you are using?