List of common shading algorithms
Wikimedia list article
This article lists common shading algorithms used in computer graphics.
Interpolation techniques
These techniques can be combined with any illumination model:
Flat shading
Gouraud shading
Phong shading
Illumination models
Realistic
The illumination models listed here attempt to model the perceived brightness of a surface or a component of the brightness in a way that looks realistic. Some take physical aspects into consideration, like for example the Fresnel equations, microfacets, the rendering equation and subsurface scattering.
Diffuse reflection
Light that is reflected on a non-metallic and/or a very rough surface gives rise to a diffuse reflection. Models that describe the perceived brightness due to diffuse reflection include:
Lambert
Oren–Nayar (Rough opaque diffuse surfaces)
Minnaert
Specular reflection
Light that is reflected on a relatively smooth surface gives rise to a specular reflection. This kind of reflection is especially strong for metal surfaces. Models that describe the perceived brightness due to specular reflection include:
Phong
Blinn–Phong
Cook–Torrance (microfacets)
Ward anisotropic
Subsurface scattering
Subsurface scattering is an indirect form of reflection where some of the light is transmitted into a semi-transparent material, scattered under the surface and bounced back out again. The light that is not absorbed by the material and bounced out through the surface again gives rise to a diffuse indirect reflection, which will illuminate the surface not only where it is lit, but also in the vicinity of where the light hits, as well as on the other side of thin parts of an object. Most non-metals can transmit light to a certain degree and are therefore affected by this effect. Subsurface scattering models include:
Hanrahan–Krueger model of subsurface scattering
Non-photorealistic
Non-photorealistic rendering favors stylization and artistic control over physically accurate depiction, using illumination and shading to provide a desired visual impression.
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