The goal of digital image synthesis and interactive 3D graphics is the calculation of images or image sequences from three-dimensional scenes. The task has many applications and challenging research problems which are particularly caused by the quest for rapid rendering from the requirements of applications on one side, and the inherently complex computational task on the other side. A typical problem is the development of approximating approaches which allow to calculate the optical effects sufficiently precise, but practically efficient. For the treatment of the problem, methods of finite element calculation, Monte-Carlo-Integration, design of efficient data structures and algorithms, but also human visual perception are applied. Another emphasis lies on the development of solutions on specialized hardware architectures and their use by adapted algorithms and software. In the last years, significant progress has been achieved, but by far not all important problems have been solved yet.

This Dagstuhl Seminar has provided a forum for leading researchers in this area to present their ideas. It has particularly benefited from the active participation of a high number of young researchers who have been for the first time at a Dagstuhl Seminar. Staying one week together at the beautiful place of Dagstuhl has stimulated the scientific and private exchange between the more than 50 participants from 11 countries far beyond that what can happen at usual conferences.

The number of participants and the willingness of active participation by giving a presentation caused 47 talks. By keeping the presentation time short there has been the necessary time for discussions which has been extensively and intensively used by the attendees. Although the presentations covered an extremely broad spectrum, it was surprising to always see a well-filled auditorium. The impression was that the chance was used to learn more on fields aside from the often very specialized own research. Hot topics, like e.g. point-based rendering, have found particular interest.

The positive feedback of the participants have shown again that there is a need of events of the type of Dagstuhl Seminars, and we have the hope to be able to have a follow-up in the future.