The Creation Process of a 3D Model: Rendering

Rendering is the third and final step in the simple creation of a 3D model. Rendering refers to the image being visualized with images being created from the 3D model.

There are many features of a rendering, these include; transparency, shading, shadows, reflection, depth of field, caustics, fogging, bump-mapping and texture mapping. These features are the most commonly used when an object has been rendered.

The transparency of a rendering can be adjusted, and details the transmission of light through objects giving the viewer a line of slight through the object.

Shading of a rendering can be adjusted on the surface to create a darker or light effect. This is adjusted with how the light of the scene diffuses into the object.

The shadows of a rendering can be changed with the scene lighting. Some parts of the scene may be lighter than others therefore causing variations in the light that is shown in the object.

To incorporate a mirror effect on an object rendering will give a reflection, a sharp – shiny reflection of the object.

Depth of field can cause the focus of the object to shift, for example – part of the object in the foreground may be in clear focus, while object outside of the depth of the field will become less defined or blurry.

Using caustics while creating a rendering can illuminate certain parts of the rendering using highlights, mirrors and transparency tools.

Fogging an object in the rendering process directs how the light will dim while passing through air that is not clear, similar to the way that we see fog in real life.

Bump and texture mapping are both ways of creating surfaces upon the shell of the object. These incorporate texture and detail and add lifelike qualities to inanimate surfaces.

This overview highlights the most common effects used in the rendering of objects in the 3D modeling process. The options are practically endless, although most 3D modelists find these to be the most popular, and useful while creating 3D models.

3D Models for Use in Geological Modeling

Geological modeling serves the purpose of creating 3D models of sections of the earths crust. These 3D models are unique as they can be created with different types of simulations of rocks, even the types of cells within the rocks. 3D models allow seismologists to predict certain events within the crust of the earth from shifting plates to eroding areas of the crust, or new growth within certain areas.

The grid surfaces within the programs are created with diverse polygons representing different structures and types of surfaces. These geological models are created using polygonal modeling using a meshed shell to create a surface that has been triangulated for the specific area.

3D geological modeling incorporates many other aspects of the field, including; diagenesis, structural geology, paleoclimatology and sedimentology.

Oil and Gas industries use these models to determine how the ground will react when the drills are inserted. These models are used to plan for any disturbances that may occur, as well as any weak points within the crust that could cause difficulty. If an accident were to occur, the 3D model allows the engineers to determine a plan of action for a variety of outcomes that may occur.

3D geological models are also used to complete valuable calculations for use in geostatistics. Many times, geologists are unable to calculate what is within the rock or within the crust at certain areas and therefore it is important to have software that can calculate these variables. This data is not available on regular grids and therefore must be estimated in the most effective manner.

Many popular software systems have been developed to create these 3D geologic 3D models; Roxar, Paradigm and Jewelsuite are only a sample of the programs available. These powerful software systems are able to display and calculate parameters required for many professionals involved in Earth Sciences.

The Three Methods of Modeling

There are three types of modeling that are used to create a 3D model, these are; spline modeling, box modeling and poly modeling.

The firs type of 3D modeling discovered is spline modeling. Spline modeling has also been referred to as patch modeling and allows a curve to be created with the use of two control points. These points are created in multiples to create the skeletal system of the model. This form of modeling is best for objects that are not going to be animated, as they require a lot of modifications to be suitable for the animation process. Cars, furniture and real estate models are examples of which types of models work best within the Spline modeling process. These types of models require an extensive amount of curved shapes and therefore work best with Spline modeling.

The modeling form that lies the most similar to sculpting is the technique called box modeling. It begins with a cube shaped, and details the object by removing layers or slices. Again, box models can be difficult to animate and take extended periods of time to create, and perfect. Box modeling is used for objects with hard lines such as tall, traditional buildings.

Poly modeling is also referred to as edge extrusion. It is one of the most precise techniques as it will begin with a 3D image consisting of points, which are built upon. These sets of four points are referred to as quads, and the second is attached to the first, and the third is attached to the second, and so on. The model is created from the bottom up, and can take extended periods of time but requires less adjusting than traditional modeling methods. Shell models, which contain the surface shape without an interior, can be easily created with poly modeling. The most advanced technique; poly modeling has been popularized with new technology and software.

Creating 3D Models with NURB Modeling

NURB modeling or, non uniform rational b-spline modeling creates 3d models with varying surface representations. This type of modeling allows for the curves that we see in sleek vehicle models and architecturally curved buildings.

Specific aspects of a NURB model include; knot vector, control points and the order of these items. Control points are arranged in a specific order, thereby creating the curve that is represented in the 3D model. Weight is applied to certain points on the curve and these weighted points account for the direction of the curve.

NURB models have grown popular in the creation of organic 3d models as the surfaces represented are actual curves, not tiny lines creating curved appearances like other 3D model creation software.

The use of NURBs within 3D modeling allows the user to create shape within its compact form. They allow mapping within the 3D space of the surface predetermined by control points. These control points determining the shape of the space, thereby resulting in a feasible 3D model.

The creation of NURBs has allowed higher level tools to be created. These tools include; positional continuity tools, tangential continuity tools as well as curvature continuity tools.

Some 3D model creation software has been created to use solely NURBs modeling processes. Maya is an example of this software. Maya has been adapted to use NURBs modeling and therefore is adequate for 3D modeling projects that require curved, detailed surfaces required in organic modeling.

There are many benefits to using NURBs curves in the creation of 3D models; they reduce the memory consumption when storing shapes, and using the curbs can create a wide variety of shapes in varying sizes. NURBs curves have the ability to be used in a 2 or 3D modeling space and therefore are a versatile design tool. The curves can be assessed using specific algorithms quickly and efficiently.

Types of 3D Modeling: Polygonal Modeling

Polygon modeling refers to 3D modeling which use polygons to create the shell of a 3D model. The polygons are used to create the mesh surface with the uses of vertexes in a linear pattern.

There are three common shapes created with the use of polygonal 3D modeling; triangles, quads, and elements. Triangles are formed when three sided polygons are uses, quads are formed with four sided polygons are used, and an element is created by a group of polygons connected together at a shared point.

Mesh 3D modeling uses vertexes as coordination points on the surface where three of the five surfaces of the polygon are attached to one another. Two of these vertexes that become an edge are connected by a straight line and then, each one of the polygons that are used to create the 3D modeling figure.

Polygons are the most adept form of 3D modeling for a computer to create. They can be textured or create the appearance of curved surfaces with the use of many tiny lines.

Primitives are the shapes formed within the program within the modeling environment that can be used to create a mesh. 3D modeling primitives consist of spheres, cylinders, cubes, squares, triangles and discs. Spheres are created with the use of multiple triangles to create the curved surface required for the round representation.

There are six basic operations formed in polygonal modeling. Creations refer to a new geometrical shape being formed from another mathematical object. Lofting refers to the action of generating a mesh by continuing a shape over a pattern. Extruding also copies a shape, but over the period of a line rather than a space. Revolving refers to using a shape to rotating and copying the shape around a specific point and lastly, marching cubes which can create shapes using specific algorithms.

How to Smooth the Edges of a Polygon Model

Polygon models which have surfaces that appear curves are actually created with tiny series of lines. These lines can be smoothed in the rendering process making the lines appear smoothed, and authentic. Many created 3D models are created from these series of tiny lines, but have the appearance of curved surfaces such as furniture, or vehicle 3D models.

Sharp angles and corners are the targets of these tools to create a lifelike image. In the making of a 3D model there are three main types of smoothing that can occur in the making of a 3D model; forced smoothing, super forced smoothing and beveled smoothing.

An image can be smoothed to the user’s satisfaction – but trial and error is the best way to determine when an image has received enough tweaking and smoothing. Over smoothing occurs within many novice 3D modelers, and can be avoided with practice. Many tutorials are available on the internet for modelers to take advantage of.

Forced smoothing includes the smoothing of the vertices. To get this smooth grouping on the surface of the mesh, vertices must be split away from the parent polygon creating the image of the smoothed surface. Over smoothing can lead to edges looking “too soft” or “mushy”.

Forced super smoothing consists of a smoothing process that removes the additional polygons from the mesh, separating them from the parent polygons. Forced super smoothing of a 3D model allows the user to move the polygons a fraction to create a smoothing effect on the 3D models.

Beveled Smoothing adds extra polygons to the 3D model to create the smoothing effect on the shell of the 3D model. This insertion of polygons creates extra space for light to be distributed over the 3D model and allow for shadows and shading occurring. These extra faces of the polygons create detail, creating a smoothed and lifelike 3D model.

How to Profit from 3D Model Creation

A single 3D model can demand thousands of dollars in profit when sold to graphics or design companies. For a 3D model to command such a high price it must be highly accurate and lifelike.

Creating polygonal models has shown to be more profitable than creating other types of 3D models such as b-spline or NURBs 3D models. This being said, many buyers of 3D models take into account that NURBs models can be transitioned into polygonal models, but it is not possible to create a NURB model from a polygonal 3D model.

There are high market values for models that are lifelike – whether they are human models, organ models or models of household items or furniture. These 3D models are necessary within video games and other animations.

These lifelike models can take extensive periods of time to complete and therefore it is important to focus on specific aspects of the model. For example, when making a model of a popular vehicle, create the exterior of the vehicle first, but overlook parts of the vehicle that are not going to be required – such as the engine, or trunk.

In order for the artist to reach high earnings levels they must have an eye for detail and the know how, and skill to create these highly specialized 3D models. Detail and versatility are the keys to selling designs in the 3D model business. When companies purchase models for thousands of dollars, they expect the models to transition into different formats with ease. Creating models that can transition easily yields more income than a static 3D model.

For these reasons, details such as texture should be avoided as many companies employ individuals that can add on this texture. As well, when an artist adds texture to a 3D model it can make the model hard to transition into other forms.

3D Models and Their Uses

3D or three dimensional models are used for a variety of purposes. Surgeons and filmmakers are only two of the many professions that use 3D models on a regular basis. 3D models are created by mapping various coordinates in a 3D space.

Medical professionals use detailed 3D models of organs to teach medical students, outline and plan surgical intervention as well as demonstrate procedures to students and patients. Plastic surgeons use detailed software to create 3D models of the body to demonstrate a “before and after” to the potential patient.

There are two types of 3D models: Solid and Shell. Solid models define the volume of the 3D model are solid, such as piece of stone. Solid 3D models may be used in many engineering models. They are used for simulations that are non-visual. Shell 3D models are more diverse and contain the outer layer, and represent the surface of a 3D model. Shell 3D models are used within filmmaking and video game creation to allow the user to manipulate the model as needed.

3D models have many benefits over traditional 2D models, such as: the flexibility that is offered with the use of 3D models – we can change angles, or create animated imaged much quicker than using two dimensional models. 3D models combined with software enable us to make instant calculations. This is one of the reasons why 3D models are increasing in popularity with earth scientists and engineers. Lastly, 3D models allow us to have a concise picture of an object which allows for higher levels of accuracy when building, designing or figuring. Additionally, 3D models have the benefit of becoming easily animated to see all facets of a structure or object. It is this feature, the ability of 3D models to be turned on a sphere, from the middle point that has increased the functionality of the renderings.

3D Model use in Graphic Design

3D models are used widely in graphic designs that contain 3D animations. A graphic is created by a coordination of points on a chart. A model does not become a graphic until it has been visually displayed by animation and rendering.

There are three parts to creating a 3D model within a graphic design. First, 3D modeling occurs in which a shape is given to an object using the coordination points. These points are graphed onto a chart. In the case of graphic designs, the majority of models will be shell models which can be easily manipulated for size and shape.

Next, layout and animations occur which give can give movement to the object within its scene. Next comes the process of rendering, rendering the 3D object refers to creation of images from that particular object. This particular step gives the spacing between the image and the scene in which it is found it with by special measurements. Layout determines how the object is going to move over time, and if any change will occur within the object.

Rendering is the process in which the animation is taken from a 3d model to a graphic. It includes the visualization of an image that can be manipulated with style or light. Rendering has two basic processes: these are, scattering and transport. Scattering defines how the surface of the object will interact with the light and transport defines the process of how light will get to one place or another.

There are two ways that a 3D image can be implemented into a software program. It can be created by the program, or another design program, or the image can be scanned into the computer with scanning software.

After a model has been rendered, it is easily transformed to 2D to ease the editing process, but the process of creating a 3D model from a 2D means the three step creation process must occur; (modeling, layout and rendering).

3D Model Use in the Medical Field

More than likely, the most familiar 3D models in the medical field can be seen on a visit to the local Doctor’s office. Within that office there are 3D structures of organs, from the heart and lungs to the digestive or skeletal system. These models are used for teaching anatomy or medical students, or used to demonstrate abnormality, disease or procedures to patients. Although the organs lie inside the body, the 3D models give the patient an opportunity to visualize the organ in the correct manner.

Software has made it possible for surgeons to create surgical plans, and be assisted throughout the procedure. Specific software renders 3D images of the organs that are to be operated upon.

These medical 3D models are accurate in size and shape but some also in detail – even texture. The models are created as similar to organs as possible. This feature allows surgeons to learn, before assisting with a procedure on a human body, to know the feel of an organ. Specific textures and materials are used to create 3D heart models, as the heart is certainly not made from hard plastic.

Some specialists, such as plastic surgeons render 3D models to allow the patient to visualize the results of specific surgeries. In this process, a picture is taken of the patient, or, a personalized 3D model is created through the use of software based on specific measurements and coordinates to create the desired changes, and visualize these changes – instantly!

3D models have become valuable teaching tools. Many websites allow the user the opportunity to gain valuable insight into the inner working of organ through 3D models. These models are beneficial to students in a secondary school level, all the way to students in a Medical Doctor program. The accuracy is pristine and the renderings allow familiarity, and are easier to learn than a two dimensional image on a page.

History of Computer Graphics

The field of computer graphics has developed alongside the development of the digital computer. In 1959, MIT’s Lincoln Labs TX-2 computer gave birth to the field of interactive computer graphics. By the mid 1960’s major corporations, such as TRW, Lockheed, General Electric and Sperry Rand, had already started research and development in computer graphics. IBM’s 2250 graphics terminal was the first commercially available graphics computer.

In 1969, the Association of Computing Machinery (ACM) initiated a Special Interest Group on Graphics and Interactive Techniques (SIGGRAPH) to promote the generation and dissemination of information on computer graphics and interactive techniques. SIGGRAPH interests include simulation and modeling, computer generated art, digital motion analysis, text editing and composition, cartography and mapping, computer aided design, and computer graphics software and hardware.

During the 1970s, personal computers became more powerful, and were more capable of drawing complex shapes and designs.

In the late 1980s, 3D computer graphics, such as 3D models, became possible with the SGI computers and graphical user interfaces (GUI). GUI presented data (input and output) and information with symbols, icons and images, rather than text. The SGI computers were used to create some of the first fully computer-generated short films at Pixar. Today, Apple’s Macintosh system remains one of the most popular choices for computer graphics in graphic design studios and businesses.

In the 1990’s, 3D image renderings became the main advances in the computer graphics industry and it stimulated cinematic graphics applications. VGA and SVGA standards were introduced and since then, personal computers could easily display photo-realistic images and movies.

Since then, computer graphics have become more realistic, due to more advanced computers, 3D techniques, and better 3D modeling software and applications. With the rising popularity of games, multimedia, and animation, 3D graphics have become more popular.

In 1996, one of the first fully 3D games, Quake, was released. In 1995, Toy Story, the first full-length computer-generated animation film, was released. In 2001, powerful computer hardware graphics GeForce series by NVIDIA’s was released. In 2003 ID Software graphics engine was released in Doom3 game.

Computer Graphics are widely used today. From graphics presentations to virtual reality worlds and entertainment, computer graphics have a far reaching impact of our everyday lives.

Fig.1 3D Model of a City

3D modeling

3D Modeling is the creation, manipulation, and storage of geometric objects to represent objects that are all around us or virtual objects. The process of 3d modeling begins with the use of specialized 3d modeling software. The 3D artist develops a mathematical, wireframe representation of the object using specialized software. The final product is called a 3D model.

The 3d modeling process for 3D computer graphics is similar to sculpting. During this process geometric data is manipulated and prepared manually or automatically. There are three methods for creating and representing a 3d model. They are: polygonal 3d modeling, NURBS 3d modeling, and Splines and Patched 3d modeling.

Polygonal 3D modeling uses vertices that are connected to form a polygonal mesh. Because they are polygonal, curved surfaces are approximated by using many small flat surfaces. The vast majority of 3D models today are built as textured polygonal models, because they are the most flexible and quickest for the computer to handle. Polygonal 3d models can be categorized as high polygonal and low polygonal models depending on the density of the polygonal mesh. Low poly 3d models are preferred for 3d games and simulations as they tend to require less computing power.

NURBS 3d modeling uses NURBS surfaces. NURBS are truly smooth surfaces, not approximations using small flat surfaces, like polygonal 3d modeling. They are best suited for complex forms and organic modeling. NURBS surfaces are defined geometrically by spline curves, which in turn are influenced by weighted control points. The curve follows these weight control points, so increasing the weight of a point will pull the curve closer to that point and vice-versa.

Splines and Patches 3D modeling depend on curved lines to define the visible surface. When using this method the 3d modeling stage consists of shaping individual objects that are later used in the scene. There are a number of techniques including: constructive solid geometry, implicit surfaces, and subdivision surfaces.

Modeling can be performed by means of a dedicated 3d modeling software program or an application component or some scene description language. In some cases, there is no strict distinction between these phases; in such cases modeling is just part of the scene creation process.

Complex materials are modeled using particle systems. A Particle system is a mass of 3D coordinates which have points, polygons, texture splats, or sprites assigned to them. Materials that are modeled using particle systems include smoke, blowing sand, clouds, and liquid sprays.

Once the 3d model is done, the 3D artist may begin the process of 3D rendering for visual representation in 2D or use the 3d model for an animation. Also, the 3D model can be used for other applications including computer simulation of physical phenomena. The 3d model can also be physically created using 3D printing via rapid prototyping techniques. When 3d printing is used, the 3d object is created connecting layers of cross sections of material.

Fig.1 3D Model of International Lonestar Trailer Vehicle

Leveraging 3D Models on a website

Previously, whenever a company required a 3D model they would have to hire a 3D modeler or 3D company to create it for them which resulted in a time intensive and expensive process. Most of the items created ironically, already existed in the hard drives of some 3d modeler somewhere in the world.

With the current digital content industry trends, a company like Flat Pyramid (http://www.flatpyramid.com) was able to provide a solution that:

• Creates visible and profitable opportunities for digital artists and 3D modelers globally by making their existing content available for a fee or free to someone else that needs it, thus, saving time and money.

• Addresses the current surge in demand and rising costs of an accessible, global supply of 3D models.

• Provides entrepreneurs and inventors a way to competitively showcase their ideas digitally using 3D models.

• Resolves the growing demand for a global supply database of ready-made 3D model digital content.

• Gives the ability to requests for project-specific, custom-made 3D models by tapping into a pool of thousands of 3D artist and modelers that are members of Flat Pyramid website.

Fig.1 3D Model of C130 Hercules Military Aircraft.

2D and 3D Computer Graphics

Two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) computer graphics are all around us and enable us to be able to visualize and manipulate data everyday. What is the difference between 2D and 3D computer graphics, such as 3D Models? Let’s explore the difference and similarities between them.

2D computer graphics

2D computer graphics are digital images that are computer-based. They include 2D geometric models, such as image compositions, pixel art, digital art, photographs, and text. 2D graphics are used everyday on traditional printing and drawing. There are two kinds of 2D computer graphics – raster and vector graphics.

Raster graphics or bitmaps are composed of arrays of pixels. Each pixel can be a different color or shade. They are edited on the pixel level and are used on most old computer and video games, graphing calculator games, and many mobile phone games. Vector graphics are composed of paths. Paths are used to describe the images by establishing mathematical relationships between points within an image. Vector graphics are mainly used on photographic images.

3D computer graphics

3D computer graphics are graphics that use 3D representation of geometric data. This geometric data is then manipulated by computers via 3D computer graphics software in order to customize their display, movements, and appearance. 3D computer graphics are often referred to as 3d models. A 3d model is a mathematical representation of geometric data that is contained in a data file. 3D models, can be used for real-time 3D viewing in animations, videos, movies, training, simulations, architectural visualizations or for display as 2D rendered images (2D renders).

In contrast to a 2D graphics, a 3D model is a “mathematical representation of any 3D object.” A 3D model is not technically a graphic until it is visually displayed as a 2D image through a process called 3D rendering. 3D models can also be or used in non-graphical computer simulations and calculations.

One of the advantages that 2D graphics have over 3D models is that they allow more direct control of the image and are easier to change with relatively simple software packages. 3D models are not so easy to change because it requires specific 3D modeling skills and more complex and powerful 3D model software.

3D models use many of the same mathematical algorithms as 2D vector graphics in the wire frame model. Also, when 3d models they are finally displayed as renders, they use similar algorithms as the 2D raster graphics. 3D models use many of the 2D rendering techniques, while 2D computer graphics use many of the 3D techniques to achieve realistic effects such as lighting.

Fig.1 3D Architectural Visualization of an office space

Fig.2 3D model of Arab battlefield commonly used for military training, simulations, and 3D games

Fig.3 2D renders a BMW M3 cabriolet 2008 3d model vehicle

Fig.4 The wireframe of a 3D model of a Volkswagen Beetle

what are 3d models?

A 3D model is a representation of any three-dimensional object using computer graphics software. A 3D Model can be displayed virtually as a 2D image through a process called 3D rendering or used in a 3D computer simulation, animation, or visualization.
Creating a 3D model is often a time consuming and an expensive process. Therefore, 3D modelers, animation and production studios, advertising agencies, architects, TV and movie production houses often save time and money by using already made 3D models from sites like FlatPyramid.com in their projects.

The 3D models on websites such as Flat Pyramid are created by highly skilled 3D modelers or artists from all over the world that use specialized 3D software, 3D plug-ins and other 3D applications to create a variety of 3D models in several 3D categories and multiple file formats, such as: 3d Studio Max, Maya, OBJ, Lightwave, Open Flight, Softimage XSI, and Cinema 4D.

Below are images of some of the popular 3D model categories:

Architecture | Military | People | Vehicles | Characters | Animals | Furniture | more 3D model categories »

Fig.1 The Architecture 3D model category includes buildings and landmarks

Fig.2 The Military 3d model category includes military vehicles and scenes such as the Arab war town scenario.

Fig.3 The People 3d model category includes 3d model of celebrities such as Brad Pitt.

Fig.4 The Vehicle 3d model category includes automobiles such as the Audi RS4.

Fig.5 The Character 3d model category includes anime characters, monster, and creatures.

Fig.6 The Animals 3d model category includes anime characters, monster, and creatures.

Fig.7 The Furniture 3d model category includes a variety of furniture.

Why Use 3D Images?

“A 3D digital image is worth a million words”

In today’s world, inventors need to be able to communicate their ideas in highly realistic digital formats to gain maximum exposure. They need to quickly and easily describe the benefits of their ideas to be able to license or commercialize it.
Flat Pyramid provides a competitive service where ideas/patents/designs are digitally created in 3D model to clearly communicate the features, benefits and design of the invention or idea.Studies have shown that people are more willing to commercialize or license a product if they can see how it works digitally, when not physically available for inspection.

Key Benefits of using 3D Images

• Visual representation of your idea.
• Sell your ideas faster — visually communicate product benefits and features.
• Save time & money — 3D models cost less and are ready faster than physical prototypes.

• Share your 3D model with multiple clients at a time.
• Obtain financing — improve your chances of getting investment capital by visually communicating your idea.
• Showcase your digital prototype online — post it on www.flatpyramid.com to advertise your invention and potentially sell the digital prototype worldwide.

Fig.1 3D Model of a digital prototype.