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Physically Based Rendering

Introduction to PBR

Physically Based Rendering (PBR) is a rendering technique based on physical and mathematical principles, providing realistic visual reproduction of materials in modern game engines and visualization software. PBR achieves significant visual similarity to real materials, including metals and dielectrics.

From Phong to PBR

Past lighting models like Phong used an empirical approach that simulated materials like plastic well but was limited for other surfaces. Unlike Phong, PBR offers a unified approach backed by physically-based lighting models.

Cook-Torrance Model

Within the GEM RTS, the Cook-Torrance model, one of the most validated and effective within the PBR framework, is used. This model accurately reproduces the interaction of light with different types of surfaces.

Key benefits of Physically Based Rendering

  • Efficiency Optimized for modern graphics cards, PBR can be used in real-time without significant performance losses.

  • Consistency Rendering with PBR ensures visual effect stability when lighting conditions change.

  • Intuitiveness PBR material parameters are easy for artists and modelers to understand, simplifying the material creation and editing process.

  • Tools Many tools are available for working with PBR materials, such as Substance Painter, 3D Coat, and Marmoset, which offer capabilities for creating, editing, and exporting PBR textures.

PBR has become the standard in modern 3D rendering, providing developers with tools to create visually appealing and physically plausible scenes and objects in games.

Useful PBR Resources

Here is a list of resources related to PBR (Physically Based Rendering) that may be useful for learning and applying this technology:

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