Grand Challenges in BSDF Measurement and Modeling

Measuring and representing reflection and transmission accurately are core to high fidelity visual simulation of materials. However, state-of-the-art Bidirectional Scattering Distribution Function (BSDF) models do not suggest a general solution for any surface class, from glasses to metals, isotropic to anisotropic materials, and daylight redirecting films. Furthermore, an accurate BSDF acquisition is not a trivial task at especially some specific measurement angles, such as normal incidence and grazing angles. In this paper, we address the problem of finding a general solution for efficient BSDF measurement and representation. We also outline the main issues that do not allow the effective use of current BSDF representations. Finally, we suggest specific solutions that could be investigated in order to address these challenges. CR Categories: I.3.7 [Computer Graphics]: Three-Dimensional Graphics and Realism—Color, shading, shadowing, and texture;