Bashar Al-MadaniUnit 41

3D Modelling

Task 1 In this task I will be doing my research within the areas of applications of 3D, Displaying 3D polygon animation, Geometric theory, Mesh construction, 3D

development software and constraints.

Applications of 3D:3D is a term which refers to the process of creating a three dimensional mathematical representation of a product or structure. This is done by using special software’s, which allow the designers to create the different models.

Models: A 3D model is heavily used throughout applications as it is a way to show someone a plan of what they are trying to make. Rather than doing it in real life they are able to design it on the application and get different point of views all across it with ease. One example is that Ikea rely heavily on 3D modelling in applications. They have a set of designers who create models for different products as well as layouts in the

store, to design them and view them before they are actually made. This will allow them to review the positives and negatives, which will lead them to have less errors once the product is created and distributed. This will also allow the designers to disrepute their idea easier and show it to the relevant departments to get an opinion on their product. Product Design:Product design will allow someone to create their 3D model and what they have thought of and draft it. The product design will has saved several companies a lot of money as it is an efficient way to create something before committing all their investment into it. Following the previous example, Ikea use product design as a way to publish their products to the relevant departments before they get produced. This will allow those responsible for the relevant departments to see a draft of a product and give their suggestions to the designer. This will be helpful as it would mean production would be more efficient and everyone would be happy with the product.

Animations: 3D is used in animations heavily nowadays. Many companies rely on 3D designs to get their animations across to the viewer. 3D animations allow the animation to be viewed easier as well as understood more. Many kids like to watch 3D animations as it allows them to get a true felling of virtually being there. It is also used for educational reasons to preview certain scenarios and how different things would react together. Rather than doing it in real life, it will be more cost efficient and less risk. An example of where 3D animations is used, is in well known cartoons and movies. Pixar, the well known animation studio has created the well known toy story, cars, Up, Monsters and even Finding Nemo through the use of 3D animations. This goes to show how successful 3D animation is within the film industry, and will only continue to evolve and grow as new technology gets developed.

TV: Nowadays, TV companies use many green screens in order to put in a background which makes it look like the presenters are in the desired country / city. However, those backgrounds are all created using 3D models in order to make it look as realistic as possible. This is an advantage which TV companies have taken of, as it will help them to be a lot more cost effective as well as protect their producers by having them in the studio instead of the actual scene.

Film: Film is similar to TV, the only difference is that the green screens used in the film industry contain a lot more 3D objects. Those 3D objects are customisable and can be customised to different things. The example on the right shows that it the green screen was able to be customised to show pillars and a different background. This is an advantage for film companies as it allows them to change different scenes conveniently without having to rent out a place and travel to it. This means that they are able to save a lot of money and invest the money they save elsewhere in the film. This also allows the film producers to keep their actors safe and allow for more creativity with less risk. As they are able to hang their actors in front of the green screen to make it seem like they are flying. One example of a film company that uses 3D in film is the well-known warner bros. They use the 3D green screen techniques to ensure extra creativity and safety of their actors.

Web:3D isn’t seen as much on the web. However, when it is used its in places like fancy websites which has articles that customers can scroll through. Any web designer is able to create a 3D website using HTML as well as CSS. The 3D effects in scrolling is just one example. There are a wide of different options in 3D web. This is a useful way to attract and maintain the customer to keep them engaged to keep scrolling and read the next article. It also sets a good standard and first impression for

the company who own the website, as it shows their customers the passion they have for the company. One example in where 3D is used in web is on the pictures I have shown on the right hand side. This picture is a screenshot taken from a website created by a web designer who was trying to teach people the use of 3D in web.Games: Many game companies are applying 3D throughout their work, as the technology increases, the competition increases too. Therefore, game companies would need to step up the technology used in their games by adding the latest software, texture and game mechanics. Although, 3D is very common in gaming and has been common for a very long time, it is still important for a company to differ their use of 3D. For example, Electronic Arts who are also known as EA use one of the best 3D designs in their game. The well-known game called FIFA, uses 3D throughout their gameplay. The fans on the side-line are all in 3D so that when they celebrate, it gives the player a true feeling of the celebrations. The ball, players and all the objects in the stadium are all create in 3D to show as much realism as possible.

Education:Since the technology has widely developed over the years, many educational institutions are moving away from the old fashioned books as they are finding the technology outside of education is developing, and the children are adapting to the fast growing technology. Therefore, schools are finding that the children easily disengage in activities. However, more and more educational institutions are starting to use the range of software’s and technologies provided to teach the children via 3D images, texts as well as animations. Studies have shown that children start to engage more in 3D imaging and start to memorise things more than 2D and ordinary images.

Architectural walk-through:Architectural walk-through is a method used by many different companies as a way to show an animated version of a

facility. This is a very useful method for many estate agents as it allows them to quickly send over the architectural walkthrough animation to their potential buyers instead of constantly having to invite people over to take have a view inside a property. This method is also very time effective as it means an estate agent will not need to take time out of his day to go out and show a property to a potential buyer, and the same goes for the potential buyer, if they live far from the property then they can easily open up the walk through animation and view it. One example of a company which uses architectural walk throughs is Foxton. Foxton are a well-known estate agency based in the UK, and they use animated walkthrough for their big and luxurious properties to give a potential buyer a good preview of what they are interested in.

Displaying 3D polygon animations:

Application programming interface:There are several programmes which allow both individual users as well as big companies to create 3D polygon animations. Some of which are Direct3D and OpenGL. API is a software which is responsible for allowing two applications to communicate. For example, when using applications like twitter to send an instant message, it is using API.When twitter is being used, the application will connect to the internet then obtain the data and send it to a specific server. The server’s role is to retrieve the data, give a meaning to it by interpreting it and then send it back so that it can be viewed to the user.

Graphics pipeline:Graphics pipeline in 3D is the stages which are required in order to transform a 3D image into a 2D. The several stages are responsible for the processing of information initially which is

provided just as the properties at the end points (vertices- or control points of the geometric primitives used to describe what is to be rendered. An example of a gaming company is Rockstar Games, they have hired several employees for their pipeline alongside several managers to ensure each step is being done to its standard and so that the steps aren’t repeated or mixed and done twice. The main primitives in 3D graphics pipeline are lines and triangles. However, the type of properties which are provided are as follows (below):

Modelling:When a pre-production has been finished and all the planning has gone as desired, the modelling team can start with creating the desired 3D model. 3D modelling is the key stage to giving a user that three dimensional shape. This is done through the manipulating the specific verts and polygons to create the desired shape. The model is usually made using different primitives such as spheres, cubes etc. these primitives are then manipulated using software’s to innovate and make them more complex models. For example, the Rockstar Modelling pipeline team would select a figure of a person on the software and manipulate its vertexes to make it have the shape which the team desire to fit the scene within the game.

Lighting: The lightning stage of the pipeline will involve the team adding a set of lights to the 3D scene. Light will allow the team to set the desired mood of the scene as well as what it will look like to the viewer. Each scene will have different lighting. For example, when entering a building the lights would be darker than the lights set for a scene in a park. There are a set of lights which are used in 3D software packages, one example is spotlight, this type of light will allow designers to emanate light in a cone,

from a point or in a given direction. However, it will have to be within a set boundary. This type of lighting increases the texture and visuals of the 3D model.

Viewing: The main steps for a computer generation of view 3D scene are analogous to the process of taking photos by a camera. For example, for a quick snapshot we would need to position the camera correctly. 3D viewing involves the following:When viewing an object from any spatial position such as in front of the object, behind it, middle or inside of it.3D descriptions of objects must be projected onto the flat viewing surface of the output device. The clipping boundaries enclose a volume of space.

Projection:Projection is the process of converting a 3D object into a 2D. this is also known as mapping and transformation of the object. This could either be projection plane or view plane. The view plane is known or having a displayed surface.The most common methods nowadays are based on planar which are pixel information that come from several biplanes. One example is Parallel projection. This is the process of the lines of sight from the object onto the main project panel having to be parallel to each other. However, the lines which are parallel in the 3D space will remain parallel in the two dimensional projected image. Clipping:Clipping is mainly used to display the geometry’s ins and outs. Clipping is the method of selectively enable as well as disable rendering operations within the defined range that is desired. Clipping is required when trying to display 3D objects which can have negative Z values. For example, when having a 40 x 40 x 40 cube and assume the cube vertices are defined in world space instead of object space, the cube will be drawn centred at the world space origin. This means that the front half of the cube will extend through z=0 and into negative z space.

Scan conversion:Scan conversion is the process of representing the graphics of an object into a collection of pixels. The graphics object is long lasting and constantly continuous. However, the pixels which are used are discrete meaning each of the pixels can have either the on or off status. For example, the circuity of the video display device of the computer is able to convert binary values into pixel on and off information. This is shown by 0 meaning pixel off and 1 meaning pixel on. This feature of graphics allows the computer to represent pictures with discrete dots.

Texturing:Texturing is a method which allows the user to add details of specific colour and different levels of reflectivity as well as degrees of bumpiness to the scene. Textures will allow a 3D model to look more detailed and realistic. However, in order to get higher realism, the user would need to ensure that the edges match closely to the chosen model. Texturing can also be repeated horizontally as well as vertically across a chosen surface. This technique is used extensively for modelling surfaces like brick walls, roads and sand etc.

Shading:Shading is the way of implementing the illumination model at the pixel points or polygon surfaces of the graphics object. Shading is also used to compute the level of intensity and colours to display the surface. There are two primary ingredients which are properties of the surface and the properties of the illumination falling on it.

Display:

Display in 3D gives an effect of the depth for the viewer. This is because the latest technologies in display include holography, volumetric, multi-view and stereoscopic displays. Many movie companies and cinemas display 3D movies which require the viewer to wear a specific set of glasses which are coloured red and blue at the cinema. These glasses will allow the movie to be displayed in 3D for the viewer.

Rendering techniques (Radiosity, ray tracing):Radiosity is a rendering technique which allows a user to create or render a certain imaged based on the analysis given by the light reflection. This specific rendering technique is useful for scenes which give out light diffusely. This method is also good as it renders the artificial light inside the building design to simulate how the light will reflect on the rooms surface. Ray tracing on the other hand is another rendering technique which is mainly used to render 3D graphics as well as used for to generate images by tracing the path of light through pixels in an image plane. Ray tracing is the method of calculating the path of waves or particles through a system

Rendering engines:Rendering engines are used to process and render 3D graphical images based on their model and texture. It is a software component which takes marked up content like HTML files and format them to CSS or XSL and other. Then proceeds to display the formatted content to the user’s screen.

Distributed rendering techniques:Distributed rendering techniques is the method of spreading the workload across several other computer networks or even between multiple processors in order for the rendering to be faster than if it was to render on a singular computer. This is a good method as it allows to reduce the stress and strain on a single computer since the rendering is being shared.

Textures:Textures is an important method within rendering as it gives the human perspective an insight into what the actual model would feel like. Texturing also affects the way in which light is reflected off of its surface.

Fogging:Fogging is similar to shadowing as both techniques are able to change the perspective of the light on a specific model. However, fogging is mainly used to create a special dimming effect on the model. This is done by dimming of the light through the atmosphere. This creates intense low light features which is used to engage a user.

Level of detail:Overall, rendering is a very important feature and one of the main concepts when it comes to 3D modelling as it has the ability to change the amount of detail which a model has. For example, models with more details will take longer to render as the rendering engine will have to take in account every single entity to load it.

Geometric Theory:Vertices:Vertices are used to define a specific point of a shape. This is done through the representation of a point which is able to be connected to other form of meshes. It is the altered to deform the mesh into different types of shapes and different types of sizes. Vertices are a useful as they allow a user to have control over their model and allows them to add more points throughout the shape. The more vertices are added the more complex the model becomes. This can make a model unique in its own way and different from others.

Lines:Lines are sets of lengths which are connected in between the vertices. In the case of a vertices having to change or adapt to a new position, the lines which are connected will also move accordingly. The lines will move to ensure that the vertices are still connected. However, the vertex will move if the user select each individual one. If not, they will remain static. This is a useful feature as it ensures the model stays in contact and in the same shape. This means it gives flexibility for the user to move their model around without having to individually select each line and move it accordingly to the vertices.

Curves:A curve is defined as a line which is put in place between two vertices which have been either stretched or spread out between two other vertices rather than them being straight length. Curves tend to behave in a similar manner to lines. However, they have more complex transformations when a vertex is moved. One advantage of this feature is that it will allow the user to add more definitions to their

model and add that little extra bit of detail which will make the difference in the perspective.

Edge:An edge is defined as a line which runs along a surface. An edge consists of two connected vertices to each other. Once the edge gets moved to the user’s desire, the vertices are made to follow the same patterned move. Edges are primarily connected to each other in order to form faces of a mesh.

Polygons:Polygons in geometric theory and polygons in 3D animations are the same thing in the way they both act similarity. However, the only difference is that those polygons are mainly connected in order to build the users desired 3D models. Each individual polygon is stitched together at the vertex point or along their side in order to create the full desired model.

Element:Element is a set of different edges, polygons and vertices used in order to complete a 3D model. This means that each individual 3D model has its own specific element. However, once combining two elements to one 3D model, it will expand on the model and take it from a simple model to a more complex one. The element feature is useful as it means each model is independent which makes it faster for a user to modify each one they want individually without changing the other satisfied parts in the model.

Face:A face is defined as a flat surface which is seen as two dimensional which makes up a mesh. For example, when a rectangles 6 faces are combined together it makes a three dimensional rectangle shape. This is done through the mesh giving appearance texture as well as shading to the shape. Depending on what gets added by the user. This is a good feature as it allows the user to play around with their models perspective and make it how they would desire it to be.

Primitives:Primitives are one of the main fundamentals when it comes to mesh shapes that are able to transform into other shapes through their graphical techniques. Some of the examples are as below:A sphere is one rounded set of curves and verticals, a cube has six different faces and twelve edges as well as eight verticals. A cylinder is made of only two faces, two lines, two verticals and two curves. Lastly, a pyramid is made of five faces with one raised vertex and multiple vertices. Primitives are important as they define each shape which both helps the user as well as the software used to identify the different vertices in order to make the desired changes.

Meshes:Meshes are known for having a set of different combinations from polygons in order to produce the desired 3D model. Meshes are made out of trigons, quadgons and ngons in order to maintain the model simple. Since the model is made out of big amounts of polygons, each outline of each shape is able to be seen.For example, Wireframe is what a 3D model would look like when the maps and polygon faces have been

removed to leave only the outlines of its component polygons, consisting of vector points which are connected by lines.

Coordinate geometry:In coordinate geometry, the points are placed on the “coordinate plane” as shown on the screenshot placed on the right hand side. When looking at the coordinates in 2D space we simply only use the X and Y axis because, well in 2D there is literally only two directions anyone can go, them being side to side and up and down. In the world of 3D however, coordinates work a bit differently. The X axis is still the same and measures how far a point is located in a horizontal fashion, the Y axis is changed to being how near or far a point is away from the view, the vertical axis has therefore been replaced with a new letter, the Z axis.

Surfaces:Surfaces are ways in which to represent an object or a model. One of the ways which was mentioned earlier was Wireframe which included lines and curves, one other way to show this is through solids. Point clouds are also sometimes used as a way to temporarily represent an object. However, the main goal of using the points is to create one or more of the three permanent representations.

Mesh Construction:Box modelling:Box modelling is a technique which is used to develop and create complex models which have started from simple beginnings. The box modelling technique consists of creating a rough model and then proceeding to editing and beginning it to the users desired shape. The model starts off as a

normal and plain cube, sphere or rectangle and then gets extended upon the users desire and work.This is a great method as the user will be able to start a brand new idea from scratch and build on it every time they progress. This means that they are able to change things half way through their work, as well as easily go back to what they done and edit it.

Extrusion modelling:Extrusion modelling is another technique in where the mesh is extruded into a set of different forms. Extrusion is able to collapse or even expand its vertices as well as extend them or contract them. This method is known when creating cubic model.

Using common primitives:Pyramids:Pyramids are a common primitives and are used to create rooftops easily. This makes it easier for a user to add a rooftop and then use the box modelling model to further detail the rooftop to their desire. Cylinders:Cylinders are also considered common primitives as it is used widely for things like lamps placed inside a bedroom, road poles and even weapons.

Spheres: Spheres are another common primitive as they are used for lights, gems and other similar spherical objects.

3D development Software:Software’s:

3D studio max: 3D Studio Max is a subscription based software that enables the user to create three dimensional models from scratch and edit them, the models can then be downloaded for future editing or saved for presentational purposes.

Maya:Maya is a modelling program that enables the users to once again create their models from scratch. Maya has been used in a variety of movies, TV and games. It is cheaper than 3D Studio Max but it offers less features although it is a lot more popular than other software's available.

Blender:Blender is an open software meaning that it is a free to use program. It is typically used to create small games and projects rather than extensive long winded projects. It is useful for users that are competent with 3D modelling and are just starting out.AutoCAD:AutoCAD is a widely used program/software for manufacturing companies. It allows the user to create both two and three dimensional designs which are displayed on a detailed and scaled platform. It’s typical uses are for company’s labels, logos and product designs. The software has even been used for medical services.

Cinema:Cinema 4D is used for rendering many different things. Its typically used for 3D animation or 3D modelling. The

software can handle a lot higher detailed meshes as compared to other programs. It also includes modifiers such as lighting and texture.

Houdini:Houdini is a 3D animation software application developed by SideFX, based in Toronto. SideFX adapted Houdini from the PRISMS suite of procedural generation software tools. Its exclusive attention to procedural generation distinguishes it from other 3D computer graphics software.

Lightwave:LightWave 3D is a 3D computer graphics program developed by NewTek. It has been used in films, television, motion graphics, digital matte painting, visual effects, video game development, product design, architectural visualizations, virtual production, music videos, pre-visualizations and advertising.

Softimage:Autodesk Softimage, or simply Softimage is a discontinued 3D computer graphics application, for producing 3D computer graphics, 3D modelling, and computer animation.

File formats:.3ds:.3ds file format is known for being used in the Autodesk 3D studio application. This contains a set of block of data which are known as chunks. Those chunks are able to store things like shapes, lighting which create the 3D scene. This type of file format is replaced with .MAX files with later versions of max studio software but it is still however used in a variety of different programs due to its compatibility

.mb:

This type of file format .mb is also used with the Maya software. Mb is created to stand for Maya Binary. This type of file usually contains all the 3D models, lighting as well as the textures to make up the whole scene. All the data is stored in binary format, hence the name MB. It is saved in a binary format instead of the usual ASCII text format which is mainly used for .ma files.

.lwo:LWO is an object file format used by LightWave. LightWave is a program used for 3-D modelling, animation, and rendering. LWO files contain objects stored as meshes, and include polygons, points, and surfaces that describe the model’s appearance. They also might reference image files for textures.

.C4D:

.C4d is created in the 3D software Cinema 4D. The advantages of using this type of file format is that it can easily be exported to any image editing software such as the well-known Photoshop by Adobe. .C4D is also capable of exporting its files to video editing software’s like Final cut pro.

.dxf:This type of file format is known for being used with well known software’s like AutoCAD. This comes down due to dxf standing for Drawing Exchange Format. This type of file format is also saved through binary as well as ASCII in text format. Auto desk is able to keep a list of all the different .dxf models.

.obj:OBJ is a geometry definition file format first developed by Wavefront Technologies for its Advanced Visualizer animation package. The file format is open and has been adopted by other 3D graphics application vendors.

Plug-ins:Plugins are software additions that allow for the customisation of computer programs, apps, and web browsers; as well as the

customisation of the content offered by websites. While plugins continue to be used as add-ons to customise programs and apps, their use in web browsers has decreased somewhat, in favour of using browser extensions instead.

Constraints:

Polygon count:Polygon count is considered a constraint because due to the system a user is using. The more polygon count is, the higher the intensity of the user’s computer will be. This means the processor is able to render amounts of polygons quicker. If the number gets too big, then it will take more time to render. File size:File size is a constraint depending on whether the model and meshes are too complex. For example, if they contain too many elements then the file size may need to be compressed in order to reduce the size of the file. However, this will cause some disadvantages to the files as it means the quality of the model and files might be downgraded and not to the users expectations. Rendering time:Rendering time is another constraint as it is based on the time it will take to render the file. A model which may have highly complex elements may take several hours or even days to render depending on the quality. However, this also depends on the type of system the user is using. If the hardware isn’t up to date and isn’t of a late version, it can slow down the rendering process even more.

Bibliography:online-convert.com. (2020). Huge list of file formats with detailed description. [online] Available at: https://www.online-convert.com/file-type [Accessed 4 Mar. 2020].

Concept Art Empire. (2020). What is 3D Modeling & What's It Used For?. [online] Available at: https://conceptartempire.com/what-is-3d-modeling/ [Accessed 4 Mar. 2020].

Sciencedirect.com. (2020). Geometric Theory - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics. [online] Available at: https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/computer-science/geometric-theory [Accessed 4 Mar. 2020].