Color representation in virtual environments

Techniques are suggested for improved color treatment in real-time rendering of synthetic environments. These include the use of emissive textures within a radiosity-based, global illumination model, the addition of dynamic specular highlights to a radiosity-based model, and an alternative approach to full spectral representation that uses a radiosity solution engine in the complex domain. The target application, dynamic rendering of theatrical settings for lighting design, demands both color accuracy and correct treatment of subtle reflections, translucency, and specular highlights. The new techniques appear to provide an appropriate solution. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.