The "Realistic Image Synthesis" group's main area of expertise concerns realistic rendering techniques for computer graphics. Real-time rendering, animation and visualization (e.g. scientific visualization) are also investigated.

Synthesis, modelling and illumination of 3D textures
 
Textures are an important element for realistic rendering. Here, two types of texture generation are studied, both using image-based techniques. Photometric textures (e.g. wood, marble, ...) generation is based on spectral analysis of one or more 2D models; we are also interested in geometric textures (e.g. hypertextures).
 
Material-based models for illumination, texture generation and ageing simulation
 
The influence of surface defects (e.g. porosity or scratches) is introduced in local illumination computations (BRDF) in computer graphics. Moreover, a full rendering model for metal corrosion is proposed and physical phenomena such as ageing of building materials due to efflorescence are studied. Taking all these phenomena into account also requires to study the relations between BRDF and textures.
 
Shape modelling and natural phenomena
 
In order to obtain realistic shapes and animations, it is often necessary to use physically, botanically or biologically-based models. This research theme includes realistic modelling and animation of "natural" objects such as water, wood, algae or fishes, as well as representing climatic phenomena such as fog and rain. We are especially interested in computing interactions between light and rain, in order to obtain visually plausible images at interactive rates. This study is part of a larger project to develop a numerical platform to visualize real time raining scenes for driving simulation applications.
 
Beam tracing
 
Beam tracing replaces the infinitesimal rays used in the conventional ray tracing by volumic rays (beams). Beam tracing can be used efficiently for a general antialising in computer graphics as well as the simulation of electromagnetic and acoustic waves propagation for indoor and outdoor environments.