BRDF in the context of "Steradian"

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⭐ Core Definition: BRDF

The bidirectional reflectance distribution function (BRDF), symbol , is a function of four real variables that defines how light from a source is reflected off an opaque surface. It is employed in the optics of real-world light, in computer graphics algorithms, and in computer vision algorithms. The function takes an incoming light direction, , and outgoing direction, (taken in a coordinate system where the surface normal lies along the z-axis), and returns the ratio of reflected radiance exiting along to the irradiance incident on the surface from direction . Each direction is itself parameterized by azimuth angle and zenith angle , therefore the BRDF as a whole is a function of 4 variables. The BRDF has units sr, with steradians (sr) being a unit of solid angle.

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BRDF in the context of Visual appearance

The visual appearance of objects is given by the way in which they reflect and transmit light. The color of objects is determined by the parts of the spectrum of (incident white) light that are reflected or transmitted without being absorbed. Additional appearance attributes are based on the directional distribution of reflected (BRDF) or transmitted light (BTDF) described by attributes like glossy, shiny versus dull, matte, clear, turbid, distinct, etc. Since "visual appearance" is a general concept that includes also various other visual phenomena, such as color, visual texture, visual perception of shape, size, etc., the specific aspects related to how humans see different spatial distributions of light (absorbed, transmitted and reflected, either regularly or diffusely) have been given the name cesia. It marks a difference (but also a relationship) with color, which could be defined as the sensation arising from different spectral compositions or distributions of light.

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