3D Modeling
Animation and Rendering 		There are three principle activities in the creation of three-dimensional objects and environments for multimedia:
  • modeling
  • animation
  • rendering


Modeling is analogous to sculpting and refers to the process of building three dimensional vector-objects inside the computer. Animation is the process of putting those objects, along with virtual lights and cameras, in motion--it is much like the art of choreography. Rendering is the process by which the computer takes all of the data from models, lights, cameras, and animation paths and creates bitmapped still or motion graphics--it could be compared to shooting a film. A script for a film contains descriptions of all the actors movements in the proper sequence, instructions for how the entire scene should look, and a timeline for execution. Executing those instructions will produce the finished scene. In the rendering process, the computer takes all the models in their proper proportions, mixes the light from all sources, and applies the events in the animation timeline to produce a still bitmapped graphic or animation.

3D modeling tools vary widely in their capability and performance. They also range in price--from US$300 to US$15,000. Some packages are designed to perform only one of the three tasks--modeling, rendering, or animation. However, the trend is towards packages that incorporate all three functions.

Designing and building objects and environments in three-dimensional space can be a difficult skill to master. Creating 3D objects inside the computer is a laborious task, requiring many hours of painstaking work. But the rewards are great: well-executed 3D objects lend a multimedia title a high degree of realism. For this reason, skilled 3D artists are among the most sought-after talent in digital media production.





Uses


Perhaps the Aliens' multimedia CD-ROM will contain a simulation of their travel to our planet. That simulation could be created by building a 3D model of the Alien ship against a background of stars and planets. You could then create an animation showing the ship traveling through space. Naturally, the people of Earth are very curious about the interior of the Alien ship. Unfortunately, the ship is filled with a noxious odor that humans cannot endure. Using a 3D modeling application, an artist on your production team can build a model of the ship's interior. If the Alien's provided you with topographical maps, it would even be possible to build 3D models of the their planets' terrain. A 3D application might also be used on the CD-ROM for some of the same interface design tasks as the 2D vector application--building buttons and navigational icons.



Application Type 3 Dimensional Graphics
Example Applications StudioPro, Infini-D, SoftImage, 3-D Studio, LightWave, Electric Image.
Files Imported 3D Models (DXF, RIB, native)
Vector Graphics (EPS)
Bitmaps (PICT, TIFF, GIF, BMP)
Files Produced 3D Models (DXF, RIB, native)
Bitmaps (PICT, TIFF, GIF, BMP)
Animation (PICS, Numbered PICTs, FLC, QuickTime).
Common Tools
And Operations 		Tools:3D primitives; 2D shapes; text; object, view and camera move and rotate; camera and light placement, editing and animation.
Operations: object transformation and scaling.
Uses Creation of 2D images and animations of three-dimensional objects and scenes; 3D animated characters; 3D interface elements, 3D text effects; process simulation; virtual reality environment design and creation.
Hardware Requirements Processor: HIGH - Memory: HIGH - Storage: HIGH



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