A survey of BRDF models for computer graphics

Abstract

To produce photo-realistic images in computer graphics, we must effectively describe the interactions between light and surfaces. In this paper, we focus on Bidirectional Reflectance Distribution Functions (BRDFs), which characterize these interactions. We survey on most BRDF representations introduced so far and we investigate their usage, importance and applications. We look at in detail their two important usages; in GPU-based real-time renderings and in renderings of metallic car paints.