Realistic Aging of Materials in Computer Graphics

Abstract

One of the most challenging tasks in Computer Graphics (CG) is depicting the accurate appearance of aging and weathered materials. This thesis examines the physical aging process of materials and translates that information into data that can be applied to CG materials resulting in a new prototype system for simulating realistic aging and weathering of CG materials. This new system will enable artists to quickly and accurately generate materials with a realistic appearance of aging and weathering. The resulting user interface generated from this system allows artists to create a variety of realistic and customized layered materials which offers a wide array of complexities. This prototype was then implemented into a studio setting which helped speed up the production process for material generation.