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Glossary
H-M Terms

Lux

3min

Lux is a unit of measurement used to quantify illuminance - the amount of light that falls on a surface. A lux is equal to one lumen per square meter.

Illuminance is an important factor in game development, as it affects the appearance of the game world. For example, a game developer might use lux to control the brightness of a light source or the darkness of a shadow.

There are a variety of ways to measure lux in game development. One common method is to use a light probe. A light probe is a spherical object that is placed in the game world. The light probe measures the illuminance at each point on its surface. This data can then be used to create a lightmap, which is a texture that stores the illuminance information for the scene.

Here are some of the benefits of using lux in game development:

  • Accurate lighting: Lux can be used to create accurate lighting in games by providing a precise measurement of the amount of light that falls on a surface.
  • Realistic lighting: Lux can be used to create realistic lighting in games by accurately simulating the way light interacts with objects in the game world.
  • Improved gameplay: Lux can be used to improve gameplay by making it easier for players to see and interact with objects in the game world.

Here are some of the drawbacks of using lux in game development:

  • Computationally expensive: Measuring lux can be computationally expensive, especially for large scenes.
  • Limited precision: The precision of lux measurements is limited by the resolution of the light probe.
  • Not always accurate: The accuracy of lux measurements can be affected by factors such as the position of the light probe and the surface properties of the objects in the game world.

Overall, lux is a powerful tool that can be used to create accurate and realistic lighting in games. However, it is important to be aware of the potential drawbacks of lux, such as computational expense and limited precision.

Here are some additional tips for using lux in game development:

  • Use a high quality light probe: There are a variety of light probes available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Choosing a high quality light probe can help to improve the accuracy of the measurements.
  • Place the light probe in a strategic location: The position of the light probe can affect the accuracy of the measurements. It is important to place the light probe in a location where it will be able to measure the illuminance at a variety of points on the surface.
  • Use a high resolution light probe: A high resolution light probe will result in more accurate measurements. However, it will also increase the computational expense of measuring lux.
  • Experiment with different light probes: Experimenting with different light probes can help you to find the right balance between accuracy and performance.

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Updated 03 Apr 2024
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