Researchers at Stanford University's Computer Graphics Lab have published a paper that describes a model for efficiently simulating subsurface light scattering in translucent materials. According to the authors, the BSSRDF (Bidirectional Surface Scattering Reflectance Distribution Function) model can be used to reproduce the optical properties of a variety of materials that are translucent to some degree, including milk, marble, paper and skin and is also useful for eliminating the traditional hard computer graphics look (see comparison). Take a look at Henrik Wann Jensen's image gallery for more sample pictures rendered with this model.

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