New! Sign up for our free email newsletter.
Science News
from research organizations

Realism Of Computer Games Dramatically Improved With New Modeling Of Light

Date:
March 4, 2008
Source:
University College London
Summary:
In the ever more complex world of computer games, developers are constantly looking for new ways to make the playing experience more life-like. One problem that had remained unsolved was how to quickly simulate the gradation of shadows caused by indirect light bouncing off objects -- until a recent breakthrough. A new method can be used to model the path of light as it bounces off surfaces. Graphics are now far more realistic, with more variation in shade on an object, and hues of reflected light adding extra detail.
Share:
FULL STORY

In the ever more complex world of computer games, developers are constantly looking for new ways to make the playing experience more life-like. One problem that had remained unsolved was how to quickly simulate the gradation of shadows caused by indirect light bouncing off objects – until a recent breakthrough by researchers at UCL Computer Science.

Dr Jan Kautz has developed a fast method that models the path of light as it bounces off surfaces. The result is that, on top of the broad distinction between light and dark regions that results from a simple model including only direct light, indirect light can be factored into simulated scenes. Graphics are far more realistic, with more variation in shade on an object, and hues of reflected light adding extra detail.

Now, with funding from the government’s Technology Strategy Board (TSB), Dr Kautz will work with software company Geomerics to develop the system to work for moving, as well as static, scenes. The TSB’s Technology Programme has granted £525,000 over three years for the work. £195,000 of this goes to UCL Computer Science, where a new postdoctoral position will be established for two years.

The third year of work will focus on commercialisation of the software.


Story Source:

Materials provided by University College London. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.


Cite This Page:

University College London. "Realism Of Computer Games Dramatically Improved With New Modeling Of Light." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 4 March 2008. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080229130355.htm>.
University College London. (2008, March 4). Realism Of Computer Games Dramatically Improved With New Modeling Of Light. ScienceDaily. Retrieved March 29, 2024 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080229130355.htm
University College London. "Realism Of Computer Games Dramatically Improved With New Modeling Of Light." ScienceDaily. www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080229130355.htm (accessed March 29, 2024).

Explore More

from ScienceDaily

RELATED STORIES