Computer graphics systems are capable of generating stunningly realistic images of objects that have never physically existed. In order for computers to create these accurately detailed images, digital models of appearance must include robust data to give viewers a credible visual impression of the depicted materials....

The radiosity method, originally a computation tool for thermal engineers, has evolved in recent years into a powerful and flexible simulation technique for radiant energy transfer. The ability to compute quantitatively accurate simulations of light transfers has opened a vast domain of applications for computer graphics....