Outlined in this article we will look into what the 3D modeling is all about. We will see the subject in general, and then dig into the details and inspect different techniques employed in the modeling process.
Concepts:
If you have looked at a sculpture ever in your life, you already know quite a little around 3D Modeling. 3D Modeling is nothing but the invention of a character or a model having three dimensions (as in real world) using the techniques and tools providers a computer software. The software we use for the purpose will be a 3D Modeling and animation tool like 3DS Max, Maya, SoftImage etc . The tool will provide a set of tools than a 3D artist can use to sculpt or model, a DESIGN PRODUCT object in his imagination, into a 3d computer representation. This THREE DIMENSIONAL model can be altered, animated or rendered into a video clip in accordance to the artists need. This is what 3D modeling is definitely, if we look it from a broad top view.
Lets us dig a bit deeper:
Every 3D Model in personal pc representation is composed of polygons. The polygons may have three or over vertices and such hundreds or thousands or even millions of polygons may encompass a 3D Model. So is it like, a 3D IMAGES artist draws each and every polygon as such? Fortunately, no! Here comes the softwares like 3DS Max and Cyber to our rescue. These 3d modeling packages provide a wide variety of modeling tools that an artist can use for creating a polygonal model. The artist will usually draw the outlines comprise the models shape in three dimensions, and the software programs will tesselate that into a polygonal mesh. All that some sort of artist has to do is define the 3 dimensional shape of the character he has in his imagination. There are a number of creating techniques that are widely used. Lets go through them one by one:
· Primitive Modeling: This is a very basic modeling technique and hence has got several draw backs too. The software tool like 3DS Spork, Maya etc provides a set of 3D primitives like spheres, boxes etc . The artist alters these shapes for his/her character modeling needs, using lattices, deformers etc . For example , a human head can be modeled using an altered lobe, a neck using an altered cylinder etc . This recreating technique is more suitable for building objects like houses, fixtures etc rather than, for live organic modeling, since the models appear distinct and the blend of various body parts will not be seamless.
· NURBS Modeling: NURBS stands for Non Uniform Intelligent Bspline. Dont get scared by the name. In the nutshell, it is nothing but a mathematical curve, represented using a couple of equations. If we see this modeling technique from an additional view, all we see is a set of simple curves that we all call NURBS. How the 3d tool implemented it people dont need to care much (too much mathematics). Those curves are very flexible and have control points on them which inturn we can use to change its shape.
Suppose you want to version a human head using NURBS modeling, you will start with an outline shape and then draw a number of curves extending from one facet of the profile shape to the other end, separated by settings. These curves define the shape of the figure. These NURBS curves can be joined to form a 3D NURBS covering. The NURBS modeling has its advantages and disadvantages. It is an easy model approach, since the NURBS curves are easy to manipulate. However , this modeling technique has very limited extensibility. Suppose you want to add more an extra limb to your alien creature after the modeling can be complete, it will become extremely difficult, if you choose NURBS modeling.
· Surface Modeling: This is a widely adopted modeling technique used primarily for organic modeling. In this modeling technique, the very 3D artist creates a spline cage profile for the 3 DIMENSIONAL character. The splines intersect between each other, creating a thoroughly closed profile of the character, unlike the NURBS tactic. Once the spline cage is complete, the 3D specialist can apply a surface modifier on this spline stand, which creates a 3D filling surface out of the 2D splines. This method has the advantage that it can be extended to conform to varied requirements, during any stage of the modeling progression. This offers a lot of flexibility to the artist. This technique is commonly employed widely in 3D animation softwares like 3DS Max.
· Polygonal Modeling: This is one of the very few modeling techniques which they can display for various modeling scenarios. This modeling technique is put to use both in organic and inorganic modeling. The basic principle powering this modeling technique is as follows. The 3D artist attraction the shape of the model he wants to create using the polygon tool. Then the polygon will get subdivided and extruded, such that the model gets the 3D form. This process of subdividing and even extruding continues until the whole model is completed. During this modeling technique the artist in fact creates a polygonal mesh himself. But this polygonal model will have the no number of polygons only, and it will be far from a even and perfect figure. After this stage, the artist would fill out an application a smoothing modifier on this polygon model, which fans the model into a realistic and smooth looking individuality.
Waheat 