Exploring an Alternative Diffuse Shading Model for Computer Graphics
By
ibobev
Slow-proofed and worth the wait. Worth its weight in flour.
Summary
This article presents a humorous, intentionally flawed diffuse shading model for computer graphics as a New Year's Eve thought experiment. The author critiques the standard Lambertian diffuse lighting model (max(0, L·N)) and proposes an alternative 'silly' model that uses the absolute value of the dot product (|L·N|) instead. The article explores the mathematical and visual implications of this alternative approach, discussing how it would affect lighting calculations, particularly for surfaces facing away from light sources, and serves as a playful exploration of graphics programming concepts.
Key quotes
· 5 pulledWe all know that the proper lighting factor (i.e. proportion of reflected incoming light) for a completely diffuse (aka Lambertian) surface is max(0, L·N).
What if we used the absolute value of the dot product instead? That is, what if we used |L·N| instead of max(0, L·N)?
This is a silly model because it doesn't make physical sense - surfaces facing away from the light source shouldn't be lit at all!
But it's interesting to think about what would happen if we used this model anyway.
Happy New Year for those who celebrate! Happy Arbitrarily Chosen Point in Earth's Orbit for those who don't!
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