The term post-processing (or postproc for short) is used in the video and film industry for quality-improvement image processing (specifically digital image processing) methods used in video playback devices, such as stand-alone DVD-Video players; video playing software; and transcoding software. It is also commonly used in real-time 3D rendering (such as in video games) to add additional effects.

Uses in video production

edit

Video post-processing is the process of changing the perceived quality of a video on playback (done after the decoding process). Image scaling routines such as linear interpolation, bilinear interpolation, or cubic interpolation can for example be performed when increasing the size of images; this involves either subsampling (reducing or shrinking an image) or zooming (enlarging an image). This helps reduce or hide image artifacts and flaws in the original film material. Post-processing always involves a trade-off between speed, smoothness and sharpness.

Uses in 3D rendering

edit

Additionally, post-processing is commonly used in 3D rendering, especially for video games. Instead of rendering 3D objects directly to the display, the scene is first rendered to a buffer in the memory of the video card. Pixel shaders and optionally vertex shaders are then used to apply post-processing filters to the image buffer before displaying it to the screen. Some post-processing effects also require multiple-passes, gamma inputs, vertex manipulation, and depth buffer access. Post-processing allows effects to be used that require awareness of the entire image (since normally each 3D object is rendered in isolation). Such effects include:

See also

edit

References

edit
  1. ^ "Aggregate G-Buffer Anti-Aliasing". Archived from the original on 2016-04-27. Retrieved 2016-01-16.
  2. ^ "//game dev log of martins upitis: GLSL Cubic Lens Distortion". October 13, 2011.
  3. ^ "john-chapman-graphics: Pseudo Lens Flare". February 22, 2013.
edit