Image-Based Rendering
Image-based rendering has emerged in recent years as an approach to rendering three-dimensional scenes without the representation of an overly complex geometric model. As opposed to pure geometric approaches, the image-based approach uses real-world images of an object or scene as the basis for rendered viewpoints to achieve photorealism.
The image-based approach maximizes realism (by using real-world imagery) while minimizing rendering time. Image-based rendering is particularly successful for complex objects that are cumbersome to represent in a purely model-based domain (e.g., cars, trees, people). Today, image-based content is used in both still renderings, off-line animations, and real-time interactive applications.