Spline Modeling

Spline modeling, as with each other form, begins with the shape created, that will create the bottom of the object. As well, with each other form, the method is used to create 3D objects used within video games.

Spline modeling is one of the premier types of 3D modeling, one of the most effective, which is able to create complex curves using weighted points (referred to as vertices) on a line. This line is represented as curving, because of these weighted points. 3D modelers are able to change the visualization of the line be increasing or decreasing the weight on each of the curves.

Splines and patches modeling use these curved lines to create the appearance of the surface of the 3D model. For this reason, spline modeling methods are best when creating organic models such as people, vehicles with sleek and curved lines, and models organs which are used in medical practices.

There are two types of models that can be created using the spline modeling techniques, solid and shell. Solid 3D models and shell 3d models differ in the fact that solid models are created like a rock, and define the structure through the interior of the 3D model. Solid models are time consuming, and require additional methods when being used. On the contrary, shell models are created to represent the surface of the object, and not the volume. Most video game models use shell type of modeling, as there is no need to define the interior volume.

Spline modeling is most similar to the second type of modeling, NURBS modeling, which also uses genuinely curved lines to create 3D modesl. Using these curved lines ensures that the model will truly have a genuine appearance to its inspiration. In contrast, polygonal modeling using series of tiny lines to create the appearance of a curved line, but one of the disadvantages of this type of modeling, is that the line will never really curve, regardless of the amount of lines used to create the structure.

2D versus 3D Modeling Methods

Many times, modelers use a combination of 3D and 2D modeling techniques in the creation of a 3D model. With the combination of these methods, we receive the easy rendering processes that come with 3D model creation, and the ease in creating models that come with 2D model creation processes.

There are three main benefits to using 3D models, rather than 2D models. One, 3D models are flexible and can be changed or animated quickly, with quicker rendering time. Rendering time refers to the amount of time that it takes to give a model life, or animate it. Which brings us to the second benefit to using 3d models, this ease of rendering allows to physically create the model, rather than having to imagine the effects? Next, the accuracy is discussed. 3D models create an accuracy that cannot be created with 2D models. If a builder or a designer is able to picture the object or design in which they are building and consult with the rendering throughout the creation process, this ensures less mistakes are going to be made in the creation of the model.

Aside from these benefits come the disadvantages of creating 3D models, these are: the difficulty and practice that it takes a model to create lifelike models. Some of these effects are difficult to learn, and techniques mean additional time spent learning the software and creating the 3D model.

The significant differences that arise between the two forms of modeling are: the space in which the object is defined, and the ability to render such things as perspective, shadow and lighting, as well as other photorealistic effects.

In some professions, such as the medical profession, 2D models have been preferred in x-rays and other diagnostic forms because of the simplification that comes with reading the results, and abstract information can be difficult to detect within 3D models, therefore making representations difficult to create, and even more difficult to read!

The Most Iconic 3D Models

3D model have many uses in today’s society. Computer and video games, building structure design, automotive construction, and artistic and educational models all serve their purpose in their respective industries. The most well known and popular of these models claim their fame through their designers, and their timeless use in the field of education. Visual arts students use well known 3D model in their classes as a means of comparison to grade skill level and knowledge retention.

Of these models is the famous Stanford Bunny which was created by Greg Turk and Marc Levoy in 1994 at Stanford University, this model is mainly used as a data test, and has become a standard for testing graphics algorithms. Other iconic models, like the Utah Teapot, are used as standard references, and can be a tool for the education of graphic arts students in high schools and universities.

In the automotive industry, each car body design is first created as a model which is kept by the car companies as a keepsake and reference of where the company has been, and what paths to take in the future. 3D models are advancing with the use of high tech software and machinery, but there will always be the original models that will continue serving their purpose in the world of education and modern history.

The Importance of 3D Models in Video Games

Have you ever wondered who the masterminds behind the characters that are used are in your favorite video and PC games? Each large game producing company has a staff of creative designers that match voices with faces, and design body types, names, species, and all aspects that comprise the physical features of those memorable personalities. Before a character is even considered by the company to use in a game, the designers are in charge of creating a detailed and precise 3D model of the character in progress to express the ideas, features, and purpose of the character as it pertains to the game.

A designer may go through a dozen models before a decision maker is impressed, and characters may also be adapted from several models given. These model designers use high tech premium programs and software that allow them to have full control of their ideas, and the ability to create symmetrical and proportionally correct characters. These finished models are able to be translated straight from the computer to a fabrication stage, and through the use of laser cutting, or stereo lithography, are brought to life as to-scale representations.

Once approved, these characters are taken from the original software, and are worked into the games as seen appropriate by the creators. The use of models in the production ensures a smooth transition from an idea, to a digital model, to a physical model, to your computer or TV screen.

The Importance of Light in the Animation of 3D Models

As we are aware in our daily lives – light gives an object, or a room – life! The lighting of 3D models has two purposes. One, light produces a shadow which causes the 3D model to appear to be anchored to the ground and two, it adds depth to the model through the use of advanced shading techniques. These two uses for the shadow are one of the main differences between two and three dimensional 3D models.

Shading occurs in a 3D model when light is shone from one side of the object or one when the light that is shed is brighter on one side than the other. The intensity of the light shone on the object can even change the look of the 3D model. This is evident in comparisons seen in many textbook 3D model creation processes, a model without a shadow appears two dimensional in form, and shadows are one of the most important aspects in the creation process of a 3D model.
Shadows are also created with light, and as long as the 3D model is solid, than a shadow will occur. Solid models can be created to cast realistic shadows, depending on the angle that the light is exposed to the 3D model.

How are shadows created? Shadows are created within the software program and can be adjusted to look as realistic as possible. Different intensities of light can be formed to mimic different types of shadows – just as, different techniques can be used to manipulate these shadows.

What are the benefits of shadowing? Shadowing is one of the tricks that allow the viewer to form a realistic connection with the mode, while it locks it to the ground and gives it depth; it gains creditability as a moving, living, breathing object.

It is these shadows and shading cause 3D models to appear lifelike. The light angles can be manipulated into creating different percent of the 3D model within our minds.

The Importance of a Storyboard in 3D Modeling Animation

3-D modeling animation is a detailed process that begins with an idea, and is developed through a series of steps that ensure thorough and precise translation from mind to visualization. The most important part of this process is to have a storyboard prior to undergoing the production of the full video presentation. This is used during all three of the production stages; pre-production, production, and post production, and is a vital tool in creating a flowing moving animation.

The storyboard consists of a series of diagrams that show sketches of the video image, brief descriptions of the visuals that are to be implemented, notes for the camera operator and crew, and details of the audio that is to be associated with the visual presentation. When used correctly, the storyboard becomes a valuable reference to guide the crew through the production and post production stages. The goals are then unified, and there is less confusion in the process, resulting in a smoother transition from idea to reality.

The storyboard becomes the basis of the video or short animation that is being created. It provides a map for the project and way to measure the progress. There are thousands of storyboards created, even for the shortest of animation. The storyboard is an integral part of the animation process and dictates how the character is going to move within and interact with the surrounding scene.

With a storyboard, the production team is able to work with the ideas, and make changes while not disrupting the project as a whole. The storyboard is most commonly drawn out in card format with numbered pages so that it is easier to flip through the entire animation map without having to backtrack. More than any other tool, the storyboard is always considered the life-saver when it comes to video animation.

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Animating a 3D Model

Unlike movies that consist of many frames, 3D models cannot be animated by using the typical amount of frames per second which our eye attributes as blurring and creates on stable image – such as frames per second becoming the movies that we are used to seeing on a daily basis. Creating a 3D model that is to be used for animation is significantly different than creating a 3D model that will not be animated.

Creating a model for animation means that less attention will be paid to the background of the 3D model. Focus is going to be on what is moving within the scene, and this is the 3D model.
Using smaller textures within the shell of the model will mean less time rendering the model. Smaller textures are easier to translate and easier to convert. Throughout the rendering process, the model will be placed upon an axis in the scene that the model is to be placed – upon this axis the model will be turned each necessary way to interact with the scene. These smaller textures become easier to manipulate, as well as convert to digital media.

Animating 3D models consists of rendering, but specially includes additional blurring; this motion blur is also referred to as creative blurring. It allows us to perceive that the model has moved, but in reality – the model has remained within the same place throughout the scene.

To create these organic models, such as characters within an animated film, NURBs modeling is the preference of many, as the curved appearances on the shell can be easier to create but it is truly a matter of personal preference to the designer.

Animation of 3D models has brought us forward in technology and animations that we have come to know and love and allows us to use it as a valuable teaching tool in medical schools throughout the country.

Creation of a 3D Model Manually

In a world full of technology it is hard to imagine doing many of the things we do on a day to day basis without the use of the internet and software. The use of programs to assist in everyday life and the business world are crucial to the fast turn-around time demanded of most people’s lives. In the industry of 3D model creation, the use of high tech software is essential to keeping up with competition in the realms of movie makers, toy factories, and corporate businesses that require structure models, but what about manual model creation?

The art of model creation began before the use of PCs and started as a relaxing hobby. The use of clay, wood, metal and other more crude objects were the first materials used to create these models, and took skill and precision to create accurate to-scale recreations. Mathematics is a large part of manual model creation, and is still required in schools that train for model creation and similar professions.

Though it is not used as often (because of the use of high tech software) basic tools and mathematics are essential to creating accurate models, and is used as a test of the model creator’s true skills. Though technology is almost always faster and more precise, the art and skills involved in manual 3D model creation will always be revered as a true talent.

Creation Processes of 3D Models

Creating a 3-D model takes more than just a good idea. Though it starts with the brainstorming process, the creation of a proportionate 3D model is a compilation of detailed steps, starting with a sketch-up. One the idea has been drawn out in either graph format, simple sketch drawing format, or draft depending on the project. It is then brought to the design team (often times the creative and design team are the same department) to adapt a 3D model from the initial idea.
The next step is to put the idea in digital format with the use of manual manipulation and/or advanced software. For sign and construction companies this can mean the use of programs such as auto-cad that makes it easy to calculate proportions and relativity to the surrounding objects. For creative companies like video game programmers, this means the use of 3-D modeling methods such as Polygonal, NURBS, or Spline and Patching, all of which require the placement of lines and curves over the surface area of a frame to fabricate a life-like representation of the object, creature, or person to be modeled.

Once the finished digital design has been created, it is then sent to the production area to be completed. This can mean a factory that has a way of reading the digital information and the producing the materials, a high tech piece of machinery that uses lasers or some other form of fabrication that is programmed via the specs of the information, or the same software that is used to create the model, in some instances can be hooked up to the machine, and use a mold for the final result.

Which Modeling Method is best?

Though there are many questions as to whether or not there is one way to create a 3D model as opposed to another, the answer lies within each person’s applicable knowledge, preferred method of design, and preference to computer software. There are three main types of 3-D design that are used today, and are considered the most popular methods used by graphics design divisions in companies.

The first of these is referred to as “Polygonal modeling”, this methods uses linearly connected vertexes to create polygonal mesh that form the object. The majority of 3D models today are created using this method, as it is quick, flexible, and easy for the computer to process data input. The only disadvantage of this form of 3-D modeling is that all objects are made of tiny flat surfaces; even the curved shapes are approximated using flat surfaces.

The second method of 3-D modeling is called “NURBS” modeling. This type of modeling uses spline curves to create the appearance of life-like objects, and is put in place with the use of weighted control points. The most popular program that uses this form of design is called “Maya” and is well known commercial software. The surfaces created by NURBS are truly smooth, and though it is slightly more difficult than other methods, it creates a perfect system for organic 3-D modeling.

Splines and Patches modeling is very similar to NURBS and is also dependant on curved lines to define shape. It is between NURBS and Polygonal in its ease of use, and utilizes modeling techniques that have similarities to both. All three of these 3-D modeling methods have their advantages and disadvantages, and are dependent on the designer and their use for specific projects.

The Evolution of 3d Modeling

3-D modeling has not always been high-tech software, and detailed mathematical equations. Today, when you hear the phrase “3-D modeling” you may think of teams of men in glasses with specialized degrees, sitting behind giant computer screens computing intricate shapes and designs. Though this is a pretty accurate description of big-name gaming and video company’s design team, this is not how 3-D modeling began.

This useful form of representing larger objects to-scale on a much smaller scale began as a hobby, and started as a way to challenge the mind. Classic pieces include model airplanes, ships, buildings, and statues/famous land marks. The first 3-D modelers of course were not given a kit to work with, and had to calculate the sizes by hand with use of mathematical equations to bring the object to be modeled down to the desired size. Its use in the business world was soon discovered after the industrial revolution, and began as a representation of building structures, giving potential companies a physical means of presenting and altering ideas.

Today, 3-D modeling has been adapted to meet the needs of digital designers in the fields of movie making, video and PC gaming, and various other professions such as sign designers, and modern construction companies. All of these industries rely greatly on their teams of designers, and use computer programs and high tech machinery to carry out their ideas, and apply them to the work field. Though you can still find the die-hard manual 3D model enthusiast, 3-d modeling has come a far way from being just a favorite pass-time

An Introduction to Spline Modeling

A spline is defined as a special function involving polynomials in the mathematics realm. It can also be used to describe an alternative way to figure interpolation problems, and is an easier less governed function than polynomial interpolation. For those not familiar (or interested) in mathematics, the term spline may be more familiar as it pertains to computer science.

In this field, and subfields thereof, the term spline is frequently refers to as a parametric curve. The simplicity of their construction makes them a popular choice when designing digital models and their interactive curve design allows for easy manipulation. The word “spline” is adapted from the shipbuilding term that describes the flexible tools used by draftsmen and ship builders to easily draw accurate shapes. This simple concept has proven to be a reliable tool in the world of computer science.

Splines can be used in either one dimensional, or multi-dimensional applications, and are used in a wide variety of functions. They can be used to smooth dimension, or for the interpolation of these data dimensions. Smoothing splines aid with “cleaning up the rough edges” of 3D models, and are a vital part of quality designs.

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 Jewel suite 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.

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.

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.

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 first 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.

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 the3D 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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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.