Varjostusmalli

Varjostusmalli, meaning "shading model" in Finnish, refers to a set of rules and calculations used in computer graphics to determine how light interacts with surfaces of objects. Its primary purpose is to simulate the appearance of light and shadow on a 3D model, making it look more realistic or stylized.

The core of a varjostusmalli lies in its ability to approximate complex lighting phenomena. This typically involves considering factors like the surface's material properties, such as its color, reflectivity, and roughness. It also takes into account the characteristics of the light sources in the scene, including their position, intensity, and color. The direction of the surface's normal vector, which indicates the surface's orientation, is crucial for determining how much light it receives and reflects.

Different varjostusmallit exist, ranging from simple models like Flat Shading and Gouraud Shading to more complex and physically-based rendering (PBR) models. Flat shading assigns a single color to an entire polygon, resulting in a faceted look. Gouraud shading interpolates colors across polygons, providing smoother transitions. PBR models aim to simulate the behavior of light more accurately based on physical principles, leading to highly realistic results. The choice of varjostusmalli impacts the visual quality and performance of a rendering.