Emily Zhou – Looking Outwards – 05

Researchers at the University of California San Diego have found a way to improve “all that glitters” in computer graphics.

The collective outcome is a more eye-catching suit for Iron Man, or a shinier shield for Captain America; but I admire the complex algorithm based on countless individual rays of light. The algorithm more accurately calculates and reproduces the way light interacts with surface details.

Previous computer graphics software have assumed that all surfaces are smooth at the pixel level, which is untrue in real life. This algorithm breaks down each pixel even further into what are called microfacets. The vector that is perpendicular to each microfacet is then computed in relation to the surface material. By combining this information at an approximate normal distribution, the surface is rendered in much higher definition.

I am excited to see this computer graphics software be applied to metal finishes for cars and electronics on HD screens.

Project Lead: Prof. Ravi Ramamoorthi
Article Source: ScienceDaily