Reflection (computer graphics): Difference between revisions

Revision as of 10:06, 23 November 2007

Revision as of 23:31, 26 November 2007

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'''Reflection''' in [[computer graphics]] is used to emulate [[reflection (physics)|reflective]] objects like [[mirror]]s and [[shiny]] surfaces.

==Mirror==

[[Image:Refl sample.jpg|frame|right|Ray traced model demonstrating mirror reflection and specular reflection.]]

Mirror reflection is accomplished in a [[Ray tracing|ray trace]] renderer by following a ray from the eye to the mirror and then calculating where it bounces from, and continuing the process until no surface is found, or a non-reflective surface is found.

[[Image:Refl sample.jpg|frame|right|Ray traced model demonstrating mirror reflection and specular reflection.]]

==Specular==

[[Specular reflection]] is the mirror-like reflection of light from a surface. Specular reflection on a shiny surface like [[tile]], or a [[wood floor]] can add to the [[photorealistic]] effects of a 3D rendering.

==Specular Reflection==

Mirror[[Specular reflection]] is the mirror-like reflection of light from a surface. Specular reflection is accomplished in a [[Ray tracing|ray trace]] renderer by following a ray from the eye to the mirror and then calculating where it bounces from, and continuing the process until no surface is found, or a non-reflective surface is found. Specular reflection on a shiny surface like [[tile]], or a [[wood floor]] can add to the [[photorealistic]] effects of a 3D rendering.

The image on the right has specular reflection on the floor which emulates a shiny effect.

==Diffuse Reflection==

Most surfaces are too rough to reflect light specularly, and instead reflect in a random direction. In ray-tracing, this is harder to emulate than simple specular reflection{{fact}}.

==See also==

* [[Ray tracing]]

* [[Rendering (computer graphics)]]

* [[Specular reflection]] (optics)

* [[Wet floor effect]]

{{compu-graphics-stub}}

[[Category:Computer graphics]]