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Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Renewable Energy and Ecological Green 3D Models

Renewable or alternative energy 3d models are used to represent the technologies and infrastructures that aid in generating energy from Earth's natural resources. Renewable energy is sometimes called green because it can be replenished naturally.

3d model of Earth photo realistic view from space very good for close-upsThere is a wide variety of renewable energy 3d models that are used to represent the various forms of renewable energy from Earth, which include electricity and heat generated from solar, wind, ocean, hydropower, biomass, geothermal resources, and biofuels and hydrogen derived from the Earth's renewable resources. Today, the majority of renewable energy technologies are powered by the sun.


Renewable energy involves sunlight, wind, tides and geothermal heat that result from the Earth's atmosphere system dissipating energy around the globe in the form of ocean and wind currents and solar energy.


Each form of renewable energy 3d models have their own unique characteristics which influence how and where they are used. Below are some examples of renewable energy 3d models and their uses.

Wind power


3D model of 3d model of Offshore wind turbine highly detailedWind power 3d models mainly consists of mechanisms such as wind turnies which convert mechanical power into electricity. Wind turbines 3d models are graphical representations of turbines that exist today in the market and also turbines that are currently in development. Wind turbines typically consists of the turbine itself, the monopile foundation, transitioner with platforms and ladders, buffers and navigation lights.



Wind turbines output power greatly depends of the wind speed, so as wind speed increases, the power output increases. When several turbines are grouped together they form a wind farm. Wind farms are located in areas where winds are stronger and more constant, such as offshore and high altitude sites.

Water Power


Water power is energy stored in the water in the form of kinetic energy, temperature differentials, and salinity gradients.3d model of Earth photo realistic view from space very good for close-ups. Comes with free diffuse, specular, and cloud maps. Textures are from NASAs Visible Earth Blue Marble land and cloud textures and Atmosphere Water can yield much more energy than wind, sicne is about 800 times denser than air, so this means that a flowing stream of water will potentially generate 800 times more that the equivalent flowing stream of air. There are many forms of water energy including hydroelectric energy which derives electricity from the kinetic energy from flowing rivers and oceans. Ocean energy is another form of water energy and both kinetic and thermal energy is used from the ocean marine currents and the deep sea (marine current power, tidal stream power, ocean thermal energy conversion).

Solar energy


Solar energy is light and heat from the sun. Solar radiation together with other solar resources such as wind and wave power, hydroelectricity and biofuels make up most of the renewable energy available on Earth.

Solar power provides electrical generation by means of heat engines or photovoltaics. Photovoltaic (PV) cells convert the Sun's energy directly into electrical energy. Solar panel 3d models are used to design systems that can convert sunlight into active energy.

Solar 3D models are used to represent technologies that use solar energy in a wide variety of applications including space heating and cooling through solar architecture, potable water via distillation and disinfection, daylighting, hot water, thermal energy for cooking, and high temperature process heat for industrial purposes.

Solar technologies can be active or passive depending on the way they capture, convert and distribute solar energy. Active solar tecniques convert sunlight into useful outputs while passive solar techniques use the existing solar energy to increase or reduce energy consumption, such as solar architectural structures.

Solar Architecture


Advanced solar architecture and urban planning methods are used today on green building to provide light and heating. Solar Architecture methods include orientation relative to the Sun, compact proportion (a low surface area to volume ratio), selective shading (overhangs) and thermal mass.3d model of ecological green building with roof garden, solar cell panels, solar hot water panel and light shelves at windows. Green Building optimized for low emission. With heat or cold radiant underfloor system, window light shelves to control rooms sun lighting , high thermal resistance walls, hor water solar panels and energy cell solar panels, roof garden, water and rain recycling system.3D models are used in solar architecture to visualize an ecological or green building before the building is built. An ecological or green building typically has a roof garden with solar cell panels, solar hot water panel and light shelves at the windows. Ecological or green building 3d models are used in animations that show how a green building utilizes solar energy to meet theits power needs.




Solar Powered Vehicles


Solar Powered Vehicles are electric vehicles powered by by solar energy. The solar energy is typically obtained from solar panels on the surface (generally, the roof) of the vehicle.

3d model of solar impulse
3D models are used to represent the solar powered vehicles during the design, development and marketing of the solar powered vehicles. Solar powered vehicles are currently not practical transportation devices, they can be used for research purposes and extended missions to collect scientific data over long periods of time, such as volcano plume studies, North and South Poles flights, space exploration, etc.

Geothermal energy


Geothermal energy is energy obtained by tapping the heat of the Earth itself.
3d model of geothermal plant shows cutaway plant energy ground soil power ecological water magma lava
Geothermal power plants are used to generate power from geothermal energy and they include dry steam, flash, and binary power plants.

3D models of a geothermal plants show the technology that generates renewable energy from Earth's core including hot underground steam or water and hot underground radiogenic granite rocks.

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Wednesday, November 19, 2008

The Benefits of 3D Modeling

3D modeling is beneficial for those instances in which we will benefit from seeing a physical object in a solid form. For this reason, 2D models cannot justify the results required from observing the model.

Medical surgery has come a long way, with the use of 3D models. Modern surgical tools have implemented schematics which include a 3D model of the body, showing the surgeon precisely where to create an incision or the exact location of a tumor that is to be excised. An x-ray, which uses 2D features and techniques, will not have this gravity throughout the surgery process, and can yield, at best, an estimation of where to cut.

If we think back to chemistry class, and the models in the textbook and in the classroom of the 3D representations of molecules, this is more than likely one of the most memorable influences that many students have faced when interaction with 3D models. Researcher, students, teachers and professors alike have benefited from the creation of 3D models.

Property development companies require 3D models of developments for planning committees, zoning, architects, and designers and most important, to pre-sell the properties before the buildings have been completed. Customers purchase the property based on the models alone, justifying the importance of creating accurate and concise 3D models, which can be rendered in the form of a tour of the unit.

Without 3D models and the rendering and animation of these models we would not have advanced graphics within video games and animated films. Not only are 3D models beneficial for entertainment purposes, but for teaching and instruction techniques, such as a 3D model rendered, to show the process of digestion within the human body. These 3D models engage the viewer and offer unique interaction that cannot be found in a 2D model.

Of course, there are always going to be objects that have shown better results when they are visualized in a 2D space, these are: the traditional x-ray, and perspective drawings.

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Thursday, November 6, 2008

Sources of 3D Models

There are two main sources of 3D models, those which are created within 3D software programs and those which are inputted into the computer through the use of photos, and are created with traditional artistry techniques such as sculpture with clay, or some of other 3D modeling form. These images are then scanned into the computer through the use of intricate scanning software that can detect the qualities of the image, and a model is created through the use of 3D modeling software programs. These two main sources of 3D models are the most popular methods of incorporating models into the software systems.

Procedural modeling is used to create plants, landscape and forms of architecture within the environment. This modeling is created through the use of database and line systems created within specific 3D model creation software. Algorithms are used to store data within the computer system, which essentially creates the formats needed to craft these models. Many times, when it is too cumbersome to create 3D models, these methods are used to create the model within a program.

There is a program referred to as a physics engine, which artists use to create behaviors of the models within a certain space. These types of engines are used to create anything from video games to movies. 3D modelers can create real-time models of the bodily movements required in these types of renderings through 3D models. It is important to have an understanding of basic principles of physics to understand how these physics engines work, and create models through the system.

Particle models are popularly created to craft 3D models which require the soft touches of the human body, or organic models. We need to use particle models, so the bodies do not become deformed throughout the 3D modeling process. Each type of3D model has a specific method in which they work best to create, for this reason – experience in the field creates the most experience model creators.

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Wednesday, November 5, 2008

About 3D Modeling Methods

There are three methods used to create 3D models. Although these methods are considerably different, there are many similar aspects through the creation process. It is hard to say which technique is preferred, as it would depend on the 3D modeler, but polygonal modeling processes come as the easiest to render, and NURBS models are the most detailed. In between these two, we have spline modeling, which incorporates the techniques of both modeling methods.

The first type of 3D modeling which is spline modeling which falls right in the middle of the three forms of modeling. It is between NURBS modeling and spline modeling as it uses techniques of both, and implements curved lines to create the functional3D models. When it comes to the rendering process, the spline modeling method is second easiest to convert, making it a popular choice for modelers.

The second type of 3D modeling, polygon modeling uses points within the 3D space referred to as vertices, which are connected by lines – that work together to create a 3D mesh. Many modelers prefer this type, as they are very flexible, and the models can be rendered quicker than other forms of modeling. This means, that they can be made to move within a background, as the cells can be transitioned quite easily. Many, many polygons create a 3D model in this type of modeling. The majority of models that are built are built through this method, because of the flexibility that comes with polygonal modeling.

Lastly, the third type of 3D modeling is, NURBS Modeling and has grown in popularity, not only because of the effective procedures, but because of the transformation can occur throughout the process, making NURBS models some of the most versatile. Using the NURBS method of modeling creates curves with weighted points on the vertices of the model. It is preferred for detailed surfaces, as it creates actual curves, not tiny lines in a curve like appearance such as other types.

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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 model 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.

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Thursday, October 30, 2008

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!

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Friday, October 24, 2008

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.

Technorati Profile

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Thursday, October 23, 2008

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.

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Wednesday, October 8, 2008

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.

3D model of C130 Hercules hp aircraft military
Fig.1 3D Model of C130 Hercules Military Aircraft.

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Tuesday, October 7, 2008

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.

3D Model of truck
Fig.1 3D Model of International Lonestar Trailer Vehicle

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Monday, October 6, 2008

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.

3D Architectural Visualization of an office space
Fig.1 3D Architectural Visualization of an office space


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

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



3d wireframe model of the beetle vehicle
Fig.4 The wireframe of a 3D model of a Volkswagen Beetle

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Friday, October 3, 2008

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.

3D Architectural Visualization of an office space
Fig.1 3D Model of a City

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Thursday, October 2, 2008

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.


3D model
Fig.1 3D Model of a digital prototype.

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Wednesday, October 1, 2008

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 »

3D Architectural Buildings Monuments Collection
Fig.1 The Architecture 3D model category includes buildings and landmarks

3D Arab War Town Scenario Military Iraq Simulation Training Combat
Fig.2 The Military 3d model category includes military vehicles and scenes such as the Arab war town scenario.


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

3D Model Audi RS4 vehicle

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

3D Model of Rei Ayanami Character Rigged

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

3D Model of Bear High Detailed Realistic Bear UVmapped and smoothable
Fig.6 The Animals 3d model category includes anime characters, monster, and creatures.

3D Collection of modern furniture

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

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