A computer graphics model created at the University of California San Diego (UCSD) capable of generating realistic milk images based on the fat and protein content could impact the areas of diagnostic medicine, food safety, and atmospheric science. When the graphics model is told how much fat and protein you want in your milk, the model provides the information needed to create a lifelike milk image by determining how light will interact with the specified ratio of milk fats and proteins.

Similarly, if the concentration of algae and different minerals is specified in a sample of ocean water, the same model will render the color of the water. The model extends beyond milk and ocean water to a wide range of materials called "participating media." The word "participating" refers to the fact that some of the light that hits the material is absorbed and not reflected.

The milk example also was used to show that the model can work backwards and determine how much fat and protein a sample of milk contains, based on a digital picture of the milk. The reverse model could enable grocery stores to identify spoiled meats, contaminants, and other food safety problems.

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