Image Synthesis

Overview

Image synthesis is a subfield of computer graphics that is concerned with generating images from models. This involves the creation of an image from a 2D or 3D model by means of computer programs. The model contains geometry, viewpoint, texture, lighting, and shading information. The image synthesis process transforms this information into a raster image file or a physical image such as a printed photo or a film frame.

Types of Image Synthesis

There are several types of image synthesis, each with its own methods and applications.

Ray Tracing

Ray tracing is a technique used in computer graphics for generating an image by tracing the path of light as pixels in an image plane and simulating the effects of its encounters with virtual objects. It is capable of producing a very high degree of visual realism, usually higher than that of typical scanline rendering methods, but at a greater computational cost.

Radiosity

Radiosity is a global illumination algorithm used in 3D computer graphics rendering. Unlike direct illumination algorithms, which compute light transfer only from the light source, radiosity simulates diffuse inter-reflections of light among surfaces in the scene.

Photon Mapping

Photon mapping is a two-pass global illumination algorithm developed by Henrik Wann Jensen that approximately solves the rendering equation. It is capable of simulating global illumination, caustics and other complex lighting effects.

Path Tracing

Path tracing is a computer graphics method of rendering images of three-dimensional scenes such that the global illumination is faithful to reality. It is capable of producing effects such as depth of field, motion blur and soft shadows.

Techniques in Image Synthesis

Various techniques are used in image synthesis to achieve realistic and high-quality images.

Texture Mapping

Texture mapping is a method for defining high frequency detail, surface texture, or color information on a computer-generated graphic or 3D model.

Bump Mapping

Bump mapping is a technique in computer graphics for simulating bumps and wrinkles on the surface of an object. This is achieved by perturbing the surface normals of the object and using the perturbed normal during lighting calculations.

Environment Mapping

Environment mapping, or reflection mapping, is an efficient image-based lighting technique for approximating the appearance of a reflective surface by means of a precomputed texture image.

Applications of Image Synthesis

Image synthesis has a wide range of applications in various fields.

Film and Television

In the film and television industry, image synthesis is used to create special effects, animate characters, and generate virtual environments.

Video Games

In video games, image synthesis techniques are used to create realistic and immersive environments, characters, and objects.

Virtual Reality

In virtual reality, image synthesis is used to generate realistic and immersive virtual environments.

Architectural Visualization

In architectural visualization, image synthesis is used to create realistic renderings of buildings and interiors before they are built.

See Also

• Computer Graphics
• 3D Modeling
• Rendering (computer graphics)

A computer-generated image of a 3D model of a complex structure.

A computer-generated image of a 3D model of a complex structure.