Summary: Achieving Visual Realism

Literature Review: Achieving Visual Realism through Lighting in Computer Images Computer graphics is one of the fastest-growing fields in the area of software development. Computer-generated imagery constitutes the most significant aspect of a wide range of products from video games to animated movies to posters. In almost all such products, realism is a top priority. In order to achieve realism in the overall image, the lighting effects in the imagery must be highly realistic. Interaction of light on various objects such as reflection, refraction, and diffusion are the most important of these effects. However, the world of computer graphics is shrouded by problems, the main one being the high cost of simulation. In terms of hardware run

Consequently, images produced using this method are characterized by soft regular shadows. This approach to image rendering is often used to render images of the interior of buildings. Consequently, radiosity can achieve tremendously photo-realistic results for scenes that are otherwise comprised of diffuse reflecting surfaces [6]. To describe how this model works, practitioners often employ a common model called the Phong Model, which typically comprises of three components: specular, diffuse, and ambient. Unlike ray tracing, radiosity is known to be quite simple as the algorithm used is simple to write, explain and implement. Many people therefore find this image rendering technique quite easier to work with given that it does not require a strong grasp of mathematics to understand or

The decision of choosing one or the other should ideally be based on the nature of the work and the limitations of the case. However, no matter what the circumstances of the case are, there is the common problem of cost associated with both trends. As seen, there are possible extensions to be made to both radiosity and ray tracing in order to limit and then completely remove this problem, and this solution will greatly boost productivity for cases using either method. Keller et al. predict a bright future for ray tracing while also seeing considerable improvements to the cost issue of radiosity [4]. Indeed, possible breakthroughs seem to be on the horizon for both