trilinear interpolation

trilinear interpolation

A texture mapping technique that produces the most realistic images and requires the most computations. This technique is used in conjunction with MIP mapping, which provides texture maps in different depths.

An algorithm is used to map a screen pixel location to a corresponding point on the two nearest texture maps (MIP maps). A weighted average of the attributes (color, alpha, etc.) of the four surrounding texels on each MIP map is computed (bilinear interpolation). Then the weighted average of the two results is applied to the screen pixel. This process is repeated for each pixel forming the object being textured.

The term trilinear refers to the performing of interpolations in three dimensions (horizontal, vertical and depth). See texture map, MIP mapping, bilinear interpolation and point sampling.