Phong shading

Bui Tuong Phong's shading method and reflection model, University of Utah, 1973 Phong did two things at once. His reflection model added a specular term, the bright hotspot light makes on a glossy surface, and it was the first algorithm for simulating that effect. His shading method then computed lighting at every pixel instead of only at polygon corners, so a highlight landing mid-face actually appears. Together they gave plastic, metal and paint their shine, and the reflection model is still one of the most widely used illumination methods in computer graphics. If you have ever seen a teapot with a crisp white glint, you have seen Phong's idea at work.