Graphics Programs Reference
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or, we can simply choose the color we want in our materials by means of numeric
RGB values. Because this model contains a comparatively simple set of computa-
tional instructions, we can both quickly and easily create and edit colors as much as
we want or need to.
Note
With the huge increase in computing power that has taken place over the past
decade or so, unbiased render engines such as Maxwell Render have been able
to replace RGB with what is known as a spectral model for internal calculations,
the idea being that this allows them to more accurately recreate lighting and ma-
terial effects. In truth though, taking this approach (up until the time this topic was
being written, at least) only makes a noticeable difference to a very small set of
material types such as those needing to make use of dispersion effects.
Why are we using the HSV color model?
Given the obvious importance of the RGB color model then, you may be wondering
why all of the color values used in the topic up to this point have been given in the
HSV (that is Hue, Saturation, and Value) color model rather than RGB?
Well, the reason I personally tend to work with the HSV model is that I find it de-
scribes color in a more familiar manner than does the somewhat abstract sounding
RGB system.
To illustrate this point, if you were having a conversation with your decorator about
the kind of color scheme that you have in mind for your lounge refurbishment, it is
highly unlikely that either of you would be describing the colors to be used in RGB
values. Rather than saying you wanted a color to be 255, 255, and 105 R, G, and B
respectively, it is much more likely that you would discuss the pale yellow that you
really liked. This is the strength of the HSV system, it presents color values in a man-
ner that much more closely matches how we both think and talk about color.
Ultimately though, even when using the HSV system inside our graphics applica-
tions, we are still typically working with the RGB model for internal color calculations.
The HSV controls are typically nothing more than an interface overlay that can help
make working with color a little more intuitive.
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