Description: Baked lighting is a technique used in computer graphics that allows pre-calculation and storage of lighting information in textures. This method is based on the premise that, in many cases, the lighting of a scene does not change dynamically, allowing complex lighting calculations to be performed in a development environment and then applied to objects at runtime. Baked lighting is particularly useful in environments where performance is critical, such as in video games and interactive applications, as it reduces the processing load in real-time. By storing lighting information in textures, realistic visual effects can be achieved without the need to constantly recalculate lighting, optimizing overall system performance. This technique also allows artists to have greater control over the final appearance of the scene, as they can adjust the lighting during the baking process to achieve the desired effect. In summary, baked lighting is a powerful tool in the graphics developers’ arsenal, combining efficiency and visual quality in the representation of three-dimensional environments.
History: The baked lighting technique began to gain popularity in the 1990s with the advancement of computer graphics technology. One significant milestone was the release of game engines that implemented static lighting methods to improve real-time performance. As 3D graphics became more complex, the need to optimize lighting became evident, leading to the development of specialized tools for lighting baking. Over time, the technique has been refined and integrated into various 3D modeling software, allowing artists to create visually stunning scenes without sacrificing performance.
Uses: Baked lighting is primarily used in video game creation, where performance is crucial. It allows developers to apply complex lighting to environments and characters without the need for real-time calculations. It is also used in architectural visualization and animated films, where a high level of visual detail is sought. Additionally, it has become common in virtual and augmented reality applications, where performance optimization is essential for a smooth experience.
Examples: A notable example of baked lighting can be seen in the video game ‘The Last of Us’, where it was used to create rich and detailed environments without compromising performance. Another case is in architectural visualization, where baking techniques are applied to show how a building would look under different lighting conditions. Additionally, in various 3D modeling software, artists can use the lighting baking feature to pre-calculate the lighting of their 3D models before rendering them.
