An inverse method for the exploration of layered material appearance

Layered materials exhibit a wide range of appearance, due to the combined effects of absorption and scattering at and between interfaces. Yet most existing approaches let users set the physical parameters of all layers by hand, a process of trial and error. We introduce an inverse method that provides control over BRDF lobe properties of layered materials, while automatically retrieving compatible physical parameters. Our method permits to explore the space of layered material appearance: it lets users find configurations with nearly indistinguishable appearance, isolate grazing angle effects, and give control over properties such as the color, blur or haze of reflections.