Java™ Media APIs: Cross-Platform Imaging, Media, and Visualization

Lighting

The proper lighting of a scene is one of the most important yet under-utilized techniques for adding a sense of immersion and realism in a 3D scene. A single directional light source exerts a powerful influence over wayfinding (navigation) in animals and should be incorporated into any virtual environment in which navigation is critical.

A great deal of current research in 3D graphics is centered around developing new lighting algorithms. The entire research enterprise is mathematically intense and relies on a knowledge of physics. However, proper use of lighting can be learned by getting a basic understanding of the basic forms of lighting and then doing experimentation to get the desired effect.

Java 3D Lighting Model

Only a reduced ...