Grants and Contributions:

Grant or Award spanning more than one fiscal year (2017-2018 to 2018-2019).

Modern 3D computer graphics software packages are used to synthesize convincing photorealistic images ofx000D
virtual worlds for use in a variety of applications, including architectural visualization, advertisement,x000D
interactive gaming, and visual effects for feature film productions.x000D
At the core of these software tools lies a rendering engine, responsible for simulating the behaviour of lightx000D
according to the physical laws of reflection and energy conservation. Prior to the execution of thesex000D
simulations, digital artists attribute physical properties to each (virtual) object in a 3d scene; these propertiesx000D
ultimately describe the way an object will appear. For example, the properties that lead to a plastic appearancex000D
are significantly different than those that lead to a metallic appearance, or a matte appearance.x000D
Modeling the appearance of real-world objects is challenging, since fine-scale details (i.e., scratches and otherx000D
small-scale imperfections) can impact the perceived reflectance of an object based on the distance that it isx000D
being viewed from.x000D
The research project outlined in this proposal will devise a mathematical model of such multi-scale appearance,x000D
and software algorithms to efficiently evaluate such a model, for use in realistic image synthesis.