Physically Accurate Lighting Simulation in Computer Graphics Software

Andrei B. Khodulev, Keldysh Institute of Applied Mathematics, Russian Academy of Sciences.

Edward A. Kopylov, Moscow State University.

© Copyright 1996 Andrei B. Khodulev, Edward A. Kopylov.

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Contents    Introduction    Lightscape System    Specter System    Radiance System    Scenes for Comparison    Experimental Results    Conclusion    Acknowledgments

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Abstract

This paper compares three different computer graphics systems claiming to physically accurate global lighting simulation. Physical accuracy of these systems is the main criterion for this comparison.

The following systems are compared:

• LVS ver. 1.2.4 distributed by Lightscape Technologies Inc.
• Specter system ver. 4.83.1 distributed by Integra, Inc.
• Radiance ver. 2.5, a public system developed by G.Ward

Index Terms-Graphics software, ray tracing, radiosity, local model, light propagation model, accuracy, visual image quality, user interface.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

1. LIGHTSCAPE VISUALIZATION SYSTEM

• 1.1 Comprehensiveness of local model
• 1.2 Completeness of global light propagation model
• 1.3 Accuracy of simulation
• 1.4 User interface features

2. SPECTER SYSTEM

• 2.1 Comprehensiveness of local model
• 2.2 Completeness of global light propagation model
• 2.3 Accuracy of simulation
• 2.4 User interface features

3. RADIANCE SYSTEM

• 3.1 Comprehensiveness of local model
• 3.2 Completeness of global light propagation model
• 3.3 Accuracy of simulation
• 3.4 User interface features

4. SCENES USED FOR COMPARISON

• 4.1 Simple scene: an empty cube

5. EXPERIMENTAL RESULTS

• 5.1 Comparison with theory (scene CUBE)
• 5.1.1 Lightscape visualization system
• 5.1.2 Specter system
• 5.1.3 Radiance system
• 5.1.4 Comparison
• 5.2 Qualitative and quantitative comparison
• 5.3 Visual comparison of image quality

6. CONCLUSION

7. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

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Contents    Introduction    Lightscape System    Specter System    Radiance System    Scenes for Comparison    Experimental Results    Conclusion    Acknowledgments

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© Copyright 1996 Andrei B. Khodulev, Edward A. Kopylov.- All Rights Reserved	[Home]