Computer Graphics Questions
Bump mapping is a technique used in computer graphics to create the illusion of surface details on a flat or low-resolution object. It simulates the effect of small bumps or irregularities on the surface of an object without actually altering its geometry.
In bump mapping, a texture called a bump map is applied to the surface of an object. The bump map contains grayscale values that represent the height or depth of the bumps. These values are used to perturb the surface normals of the object, which affects how light interacts with the surface.
When light hits the surface of an object with bump mapping, the altered normals cause the light to be reflected or refracted differently, creating the illusion of surface details. This gives the object a more realistic appearance, adding depth and complexity to its surface without the need for additional geometry.
Bump mapping is commonly used in video games and computer-generated imagery to enhance the visual quality of objects and environments. It is a computationally efficient technique that can greatly improve the realism of rendered scenes.