Everything About ___
Live briefing

Everything about Bidirectional reflectance distribution function

Function of four real variables that defines how light is reflected at an opaque surface

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,, 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−1, with steradians (sr) being a unit of solid angle. Wikipedia →

🧭 Start here: a 6-step reading path

  1. Read the overview: Bidirectional reflectance distribution functionA 5-minute orientation
  2. Skim a recent paper: Tunnel lighting calculation model based on bidirectional reflectance distribution function: Considering the dynamic changes in light transmittance in road tunnelsInfluential work since 2022
  3. Pick up a classic book: Land surface temperature measurements from EOS MODIS dataThe most-reprinted book on the subject
  4. Read the landmark paper: Image-based bidirectional reflectance distribution function measurementCited 142 times
  5. Go sideways: Specular highlightA closely related topic
  6. Go sideways: Phong reflection modelA closely related topic

📖 Definitions

No dictionary entry for this exact phrase.

🗂️ The subject at a glance

  1. Definition
  2. Related functions
  3. Physically based BRDFs
  4. Applications
  5. Models
  6. Acquisition
  7. BRDF fabrication

🏆 Landmark papers (most cited)

🆕 Influential since 2022

📚 Books worth reading

Ranked by number of editions on Open Library, a rough measure of how lasting a book is.

🔗 Related topics