A rendering cost estimation method is provided for generating a rendering cost
estimate that that is sufficiently close to an actual rendering cost that would
be incurred if computer-generated images were actually rendered from a computer-graphics
model. A plurality of cost factors that affect the actual rendering cost are identified.
Representative information, including rendering cost estimation parameters that
adequately characterize the cost factors, is derived from the computer-graphics
model. The estimation parameters are combined with rendering cost estimation relationships
that express the affect of the cost factors on the rendering cost. A rendering
cost estimate is generated based on the estimation parameters derived from the
computer-graphics model and the estimation relationships.
