Diffuse reflection occurs when light strikes a rough surface and scatters in many directions, unlike specular reflection where light reflects at a single angle. This scattering is why most objects appear matte and is essential for the even illumination of surfaces in everyday environments.
Per-pixel lighting is a rendering technique used in computer graphics to calculate lighting effects at each individual pixel, resulting in more realistic and detailed images. It allows for dynamic lighting changes and fine-grained control over shading, enhancing visual fidelity especially in complex scenes with multiple light sources.
Subsurface scattering is a phenomenon that occurs when light penetrates the surface of a translucent material, scatters internally, and exits at a different location, giving the material a soft, glowing appearance. It is crucial in rendering realistic images of materials like skin, marble, and milk, where light does not simply reflect off the surface but interacts with the material's internal structure.
Optical reflection is the phenomenon where light waves bounce off a surface, changing direction while remaining in the same medium. The angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection, a principle known as the law of reflection, which is fundamental in understanding how mirrors and reflective surfaces work.
Reflection control involves managing how light or other waves bounce off surfaces to minimize unwanted glare or enhance desired effects. It is crucial in fields like optics, acoustics, and computer graphics to improve visibility, sound quality, and visual realism.
Material brightness refers to the perceived intensity of light emitted, reflected, or transmitted by a material, influencing its appearance and visual impact. It is a critical factor in fields like optics, design, and material science, affecting both functional and aesthetic applications.
Light diffusion is the process by which light is scattered in many directions upon encountering a rough surface or a medium with varying refractive indices, leading to a softening of light and reduction of glare. This phenomenon is crucial in various applications, from creating even illumination in photography to enhancing the readability of screens and improving the aesthetic quality of lighting in architectural design.
Pixel shading is a crucial technique in computer graphics that determines the final color and appearance of each pixel in a rendered image by calculating lighting, texture mapping, and other visual effects. It enhances the realism and visual complexity of 3D scenes by allowing for detailed surface properties and dynamic lighting effects.
Reflected light is the portion of light that bounces off a surface rather than being absorbed or transmitted through it. This phenomenon is governed by the laws of reflection, which state that the angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection, and is crucial in applications ranging from vision to optical technologies.