3D computer graphics or a three-dimensional computer graph, (as opposed to a 2D computer graph) is a graph that uses a three-dimensional representation of geometric (often Cartesian) data stored on a computer for the purpose of calculating and rendering 2D images. The images can be saved for later viewing or display in real-time.
3D computer graphics rely on many of the same algorithms as 2D computer vector graphics in wireframe models and 2D computer raster graphics in the displayed display. In computer graphics software, the difference between 2D and 3D is sometimes blurred; 2D applications can use 3D techniques to achieve effects such as lighting, and 3D can use 2D rendering techniques.
3D computer graphics are often referred to as 3D models. Regardless of the graph shown, the model is contained in a graphical data file. However, there is a difference: the 3D model is a mathematical representation of a three-dimensional object. A model is not technically graphic until displayed. A model can be displayed visually as a two-dimensional image through a process called 3D rendering or used in the simulation and calculation of non-graphical computers. With 3D printing, 3D models are equally given to the 3D physical representation of the model, with limitations on how accurately rendering can match the virtual model.
Video 3D computer graphics
History
William Fetter is credited with incorporating the term computer graphics in 1961 to describe his work on Boeing. One of the first to feature computer animation was Futureworld (1976), which included the animated human face and hand that originally appeared in 1972, a brief experiment of A Computer Animated Hand , created by University of Utah students Edwin Catmull and Fred Parke.
3D computer graphics software began to appear for home computers in the late 1970s. The earliest known example is 3D Graphic Arts , a set of 3D computer graphics effects, written by Kazumasa Mitazawa and released in June 1978 for Apple II.
Maps 3D computer graphics
Overview
3D computer graphic creations fall into three basic phases:
- 3D modeling - the process of forming computer models of object shapes
- Layout and animation - the placement and movement of objects in a scene
- 3D rendering - computer calculations that, by light placement, surface type, and other qualities, produce images
Modeling
The model describes the process of forming the shape of an object. The two most common sources of 3D models are those that come from artists or engineers on computers with 3D modeling tools, and models scanned to computers from real-world objects. Models can also be produced procedurally or through physical simulation. Basically, the 3D model is formed from dots called nodes (or dots) that define the shape and shape of polygons. A polygon is an area formed from at least three vertices (triangles). The polygon n points are n-gon. The overall integrity of the model and its suitability for use in animation depends on the polygon structure.
Materials and textures
Including modeling properties used by rendering machines to create models, in an unbiased rendering engine like the blender cycle, one can provide a model material to tell the machine how to treat light when it touches the surface. Textures are also used to provide color materials such as color maps or albedo, or provide surface features such as bumps or normal maps. It can also be used to ruin the model itself like a displacement map.
Layout and animation
Before rendering into a picture, the object should be arranged in a scene. It defines the spatial relationships between objects, including location and size. Animation refers to the temporal description of the object (that is, how it moves and changes its shape over time.) Popular methods include keyframing, inverse kinematics, and motion capture). These techniques are often used in combination. Like animation, physical simulation also determines motion.
Rendering
Rendering transforms the model into good images by simulating light transport to get realistic photo-images, or by applying such art styles in non-photorealistic rendering. Two basic operations in realistic rendering are transport (how much light gets from one place to another) and scattering (how the surface interacts with light). This step is usually done using 3D graphics computer software or 3D graphics API. Turning the scene into a form suitable for rendering also involves 3D projection, which displays three-dimensional images in two dimensions. Although 3D modeling and CAD software can do 3D rendering as well (eg Autodesk 3ds Max or Blender), exclusive 3D rendering software also exists.
Software
3D computer graphics software generates computer-generated imagery (CGI) through 3D modeling and 3D rendering or generating 3D models for analytical, scientific and industrial purposes.
Modeling
3D modeling software is a class of 3D graphics computer software used to produce 3D models. This individual class program is called modeling an application or a modeler.
3D modelers allow users to create and modify models through their 3D webs. Users can add, subtract, stretch and change the nets as they see fit. Models can be viewed from different angles, usually simultaneously. Models can be rotated and views can be zoomed in and out.
3D modelers can export their models to a file, which can then be imported into other applications during compatible metadata. Many modelers allow importers and exporters to be installed, so they can read and write data in other app native formats.
Most 3D modelers contain a number of related features, such as ray trackers and other rendering alternatives as well as texture mapping facilities. Some also contain features that support or enable model animations. Some may be able to generate full motion videos from a given set of scenes (ie animation).
Computer-aided design
Computer-assisted software can use the same fundamental 3D modeling techniques used by 3D modeling software but the purpose is different. They are used in computer-assisted engineering, computer-aided manufacturing, finite element analysis, product lifecycle management, 3D printing and computer-assisted architectural design.
Complementary tools
After producing the video, the studio then edits or merges the video using a program like Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro at the intermediate level, or Autodesk Combustion, Digital Fusion, Shake at high end. Game drive software is typically used to match live video with computer-generated video, keeping both sync while the camera is in motion.
The use of real-time computer graphics engine to create cinematic production is called machinima.
Community
There are many websites designed to help, educate, and support 3D graphic artists. Some are managed by software developers and content providers, but there are also stand-alone sites. These communities allow members to seek advice, post tutorials, provide product reviews or send samples of their own work.
Differences with other computer graph types
Differences from photorealistic 2D graphics
Not all computer graphics that appear in 3D are based on the wireframe model. 2D computer graphics with 3D photorealistic effects are often achieved without wireframe modeling and are sometimes indistinguishable in final form. Some graphic art software includes filters that can be applied to 2D vector graphics or 2D raster graphics on transparent layers. Visual artists can also copy or visualize 3D effects and manually create photorealistic effects without using filters.
Pseudo-3D and true 3D
Some video games use limited projection of three-dimensional environments, such as isometric graphics or virtual cameras with fixed angles, either as a way to improve the performance of game engines, or to style and game problems. Such games are said to be using fake 3D graphics. Instead, games that use 3D computer graphics without such restrictions are said to be using true 3D .
See also
References
External links
- The Critical History of Graphics and Computer Animation
- How to Work Stuff - 3D Graph
- Computer Graphics History series of articles
- How 3D Works - Explains 3D modeling for illuminated manuscripts
- 3D Tools Table from the CGSociety wiki
Source of the article : Wikipedia