From a homework assignment, Vietnamese engineer creates the foundation of 3D graphics industry

For those interested in graphics, the "Phong shading" algorithm does not seem too strange, as it is considered the foundation that helps the world's 3D graphics industry develop.

"Phong shading" is a term used to refer to a shading technique for images on a computer. Basically, this technique helps images become closer to reality when they have three-dimensional properties. This is considered one of the pioneering algorithms, without which, graphics programs such as 3D Max, Maya, Cinema 4D, RenderMan... would probably still be in the research process or would not exist. This technique is associated with the name of a Vietnamese person, Bui Tuong Phong.

Brief biography of Bui Tuong Phong

Bui Tuong Phong was born in 1942 in Hanoi. He studied at Lycée Albert Sarraut (now Tran Phu School). He then migrated to Saigon with his family in 1954 and continued studying at Lycée Jean Jacques Rousseau (now Le Quy Don High School, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City).

Mr. Bui Tuong Phong - the "father" of the technology that is the foundation of the 3D graphics industry.

In 1964, he received an engineering degree in France, after studying in Grenoble and Toulouse. At this time, he participated in the research of computer operating systems, a concept that most of humanity was "blind" to at that time. Bui Tuong Phong's career path began to have a remarkable milestone since he came to the US to study for a doctorate at the University of Utah in 1971. This is the cradle that produced a series of talents for famous graphics companies such as Pixar, Adobe, Silicon Graphics... At a pioneering school in computer science, he had more space and opportunities to experience and develop himself. Bui Tuong Phong completed his doctoral thesis in 1973. However, this genius died young, passing away just two years later due to leukemia, right at the time he accepted an invitation to become a lecturer at Stanford University.

From left to right: 2D image, 3D image without shading, 3D image with Phong shading.

From a homework assignment to a fundamental algorithm for 3D graphics

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Professor Ivan Sutherland gave Phong and three friends (Jim Clark, Robert McDermott and Raphael Rom) an assignment: create a 3D computer model of a real-world object. That is, create an image that is immediately recognizable. The group decided to use Ivan’s wife’s Volkswagen to create the computer model. They divided the car into points and polygons, making it easier to measure and enter data. Phong and Raphael, being small in stature, were assigned to measure from the floor up. Meanwhile, Robert and Jim took advantage of their size to take care of the roof down.

Phong's team measured and marked each point to get detailed data to build a 3D model of the Volkswagen car.

However, the 3D model of the Volkswagen car body did not convince Professor Ivan because it looked lifeless. The group of students continued to edit and test many different options. By the 10th week, the deadline of the project, Phong came up with the idea of ​​applying mathematics to simulate the light source shining on the object. From studying optical phenomena, he wrote a model equation, balancing the image quality so as not to overload the limited memory of the computer at that time. At the same time, he described the reflections and scattering in the curve, as well as identifying the obscured part of the model.

A 3D cube is represented on a plane (left) and by Phong shading technique (right).

According to Bui Tuong Phong's research, a 3D shape is only considered complete when it is rotated 360 degrees without any geometric errors. From the above homework and Phong shading technique, we have the foundation to help the world's 3D graphics industry develop as it is today.

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Source: https://cuoi.tuoitre.vn/tu-mot-bai-tap-ve-nha-ky-su-viet-tao-ra-nen-tang-nganh-do-hoa-3d-20240715184321797.htm