Combined bidirectional reflectance distribution functions usage for increasing images creation productivity

Abstract

Modern computer graphics systems are characterized by the requirements of highly-realistic and highly-productive image formation. In order to increase image formation productivity, the improvement of existing light reflectance models and the development of new models are constantly carried out. In the article the development of a combined light reflectance model based on the cosine-power functions is described. The main aspects of surface bidirectional reflectance distribution functions calculation and usage are analyzed. The features of simple empirical models and theoretical models that take into account microfaceted surface representation are described. The disadvantages of existing surface reflectance models are discussed. The cosine-power functions of the fourth and sixteenth degrees are discussed. The necessity of the development of a new surface reflectance model based on two cosine-power functions is justified. The calculation formula of the developed combined surface reflection function is proposed. The formula of the connection point of two cosine-power functions was obtained. The obtained formula was approximated with a simpler formula using Chebyshev polynomials. The plot of cosine-power functions connection point values was built. The plot of productivity gain from combined function calculation relative to the shininess coefficient is given. The average productivity gain value from combined function calculation was found. The plot of relative and absolute errors between the combined function and the Blinn function relative to the shininess surface coefficient is given. The three-dimensional plot of absolute error between the combined function and the Blinn function was built. Using OpenGL shading language the developed model was implemented in the software application Bidirectional Reflectance Distribution Functions Explorer. The teapot visualization results based on the proposed combined function are given. The developed combined model combines the advantages of two cosine-power functions and can be used in highly-productive three-dimensional computer graphics systems.