Everything about 3d Computer Graphics totally explained
3D computer graphics (in contrast to
2D computer graphics) are graphics that use a
three-dimensional representation of geometric data that's stored in the computer for the purposes of performing calculations and rendering 2D images. Such images may be for later display or for real-time viewing. Despite these differences, 3D computer graphics rely on many of the same
algorithms as 2D computer
vector graphics in the
wire frame model and 2D computer
raster graphics in the final rendered display. In computer graphics software, the distinction between 2D and 3D is occasionally blurred; 2D applications may use 3D techniques to achieve effects such as lighting, and primarily 3D may use 2D rendering techniques.
3D computer graphics are often referred to as
3D models. Apart from the rendered graphic, the model is contained within the graphical data file. However, there are differences. A 3D model is the
mathematical representation of any
three-dimensional object (either inanimate or living). A model isn't technically a graphic until it's visually displayed. Due to
3D printing, 3D models are not confined to virtual space. A model can be displayed visually as a two-dimensional image through a process called
3D rendering, or used in non-graphical
computer simulations and calculations.
Overview
The process of creating 3D computer graphics can be sequentially divided into three basic phases:
3D modeling which describes the process of forming the shape of an object, layout and
animation which describes the
motion and
placement of objects within a scene, and
3D rendering which produces an
image of an object.
Modeling
The model describes the process of forming the shape of an object. The two most common sources of
3D models are those originated on the computer by an artist or engineer using some kind of 3D modeling tool, and those
scanned into a computer from real-world objects. Models can also be produced
procedurally or via
physical simulation.
Layout and animation
Before objects are rendered, they must be placed (
layout/laid out) within a
scene. This is what defines the spatial relationships between objects in a scene including
location and
size. Animation refers to the
temporal description of an object, for example, how it moves and deforms over time. Popular methods include
keyframing,
inverse kinematics, and
motion capture, though many of these techniques are used in conjunction with each-other. As with modeling,
physical simulation is another way of specifying motion.
Rendering
Rendering converts a model into an image either by simulating
light transport to get photorealistic images, or by applying some kind of style as in
non-photorealistic rendering. The two basic operations in realistic rendering are transport (how much light gets from one place to another) and scattering (how surfaces interact with light). This step is usually performed using
3D computer graphics software or a
3D graphics API. The process of altering the scene into a suitable form for rendering also involves
3D projection which allows a three-dimensional image to be viewed in two dimensions.
Communities
There are a multitude of websites designed to help educate and support 3D graphic artists. Some are managed by software developers and content providers, but there are standalone sites as well (such as
Renderosity). These communities allow for members to seek advice, post tutorials, provide product reviews or post examples of their own work.
Distinct from photorealistic 2D graphics
Not all computer graphics that appear 3D are based on a wireframe model. 2D computer graphics with 3D
photorealistic effects are often achieved without wireframe modeling and are sometimes indistinguishable in the 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 may also copy or visualize 3D effects and
manually render photorealistic effects without the use of filters.
See also still life.
History
William Fetter was credited with coining the term
computer graphics in 1960, to describe his work at
Boeing. One of the first displays of computer animation was
Futureworld (1976), which included an
animation of a human face and hand — produced by
Ed Catmull and
Fred Parke at the
University of Utah.
Further Information
Get more info on '3d Computer Graphics'.
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