Image based lighting
Encyclopedia
Image-based lighting is a 3D rendering
technique which involves plotting an image
onto a dome or sphere that contains the primary subject. The lighting characteristics of the surrounding surface are then taken into account when rendering the scene, using the modeling techniques of global illumination
. This is in contrast to light sources such as a computer-simulated sun or light bulb, which are more localized.
Image-based lighting generally uses high dynamic range imaging
for greater realism, though this is not universal. Almost all modern rendering software offers some type of image-based lighting, though the exact terminology used in the system may vary.
Image-based lighting is also starting to show up in video games as video game console
s and personal computer
s start to have the computational resources to render scenes in real time using this technique. This technique is used in Forza Motorsport 4
, and by the Chameleon engine used in Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit
.
3D rendering
3D rendering is the 3D computer graphics process of automatically converting 3D wire frame models into 2D images with 3D photorealistic effects on a computer.-Rendering methods:...
technique which involves plotting an image
Image
An image is an artifact, for example a two-dimensional picture, that has a similar appearance to some subject—usually a physical object or a person.-Characteristics:...
onto a dome or sphere that contains the primary subject. The lighting characteristics of the surrounding surface are then taken into account when rendering the scene, using the modeling techniques of global illumination
Global illumination
Global illumination is a general name for a group of algorithms used in 3D computer graphics that are meant to add more realistic lighting to 3D scenes...
. This is in contrast to light sources such as a computer-simulated sun or light bulb, which are more localized.
Image-based lighting generally uses high dynamic range imaging
High dynamic range imaging
In image processing, computer graphics, and photography, high dynamic range imaging is a set of techniques that allows a greater dynamic range between the lightest and darkest areas of an image than current standard digital imaging techniques or photographic methods...
for greater realism, though this is not universal. Almost all modern rendering software offers some type of image-based lighting, though the exact terminology used in the system may vary.
Image-based lighting is also starting to show up in video games as video game console
Video game console
A video game console is an interactive entertainment computer or customized computer system that produces a video display signal which can be used with a display device to display a video game...
s and personal computer
Personal computer
A personal computer is any general-purpose computer whose size, capabilities, and original sales price make it useful for individuals, and which is intended to be operated directly by an end-user with no intervening computer operator...
s start to have the computational resources to render scenes in real time using this technique. This technique is used in Forza Motorsport 4
Forza Motorsport 4
Forza Motorsport 4 is a racing video game released by Turn 10 Studios for the Xbox 360. It is the fourth installment in the Forza Motorsport series, and was released in North America on October 11, 2011 and in Europe on October 14, 2011...
, and by the Chameleon engine used in Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit
Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit (2010 video game)
Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit is a BAFTA Award–winning 2010 racing video game in the Need for Speed series developed by British games developer Criterion Games and published by Electronic Arts for iOS, Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Wii and Xbox 360. The Wii version was developed by Exient...
.