The Illumination Process

The elements of the illumination process that are useful in computer generated imagery are highly dependent upon the rendering technique that is used. The advancement of image generation techniques is characterized by alternating leaps in illumination models and in rendering technique. Rendering techniques are just now approaching the level of sophistication that requires an accurate energy representation of the illumination of surfaces. The information presented in this chapter will aid in the formulation of new illumination models to meet this challenge.