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specular reflection

specular reflection

A Dictionary of Computing | 2004 | | Copyright

specular reflection Reflection from a glossy surface. Many real surfaces are not matt but reflect light, i.e. are glossy; the surfaces of billiard balls, apples, and china are glossy while mirrors are an extreme case, being perfect specular reflectors. If the surface is not a perfect mirror, the reflected light will occur in a cone centered around the perfect reflection direction. The amount of light reflected will be some fraction of the incident light. The result is a highlight that has the color of the light source rather than of the object. An empirical formula suggested by Bui-Tuong Phong in 1975 is often used in computer graphics to define specular reflection. Compare diffuse reflection.
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JOHN DAINTITH. "specular reflection." A Dictionary of Computing. 2004. Encyclopedia.com. 27 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

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specular reflection

A Dictionary of Earth Sciences | 1999 | | Copyright

specular reflection Reflection of light or a radar beam, as from a mirror or a plane faceted surface such as an angular boulder. See BACKSCATTER; compare DIFFUSE REFLECTION.
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AILSA ALLABY and MICHAEL ALLABY. "specular reflection." A Dictionary of Earth Sciences. 1999. Encyclopedia.com. 27 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

AILSA ALLABY and MICHAEL ALLABY. "specular reflection." A Dictionary of Earth Sciences. 1999. Encyclopedia.com. (May 27, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O13-specularreflection.html

AILSA ALLABY and MICHAEL ALLABY. "specular reflection." A Dictionary of Earth Sciences. 1999. Retrieved May 27, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O13-specularreflection.html

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