The Many Features of Rendering

Within the rendering process of a 3D model, how are these models brought to life through the process of animation and then created through photo realistic techniques to become characters in the films and games that we, as consumers, have become familiar with? Through the powerful process of rendering, we can create characters, ready for film, that encompasses lifelike qualities – and here are the features that assist artists through this process.

The main qualities of rendering include: shading, texture and bump mapping, fogging, shadows, soft-shadows, reflection, transparency, refraction and reflection, depth of field, motion blur as well as non-photorealistic rendering. Although these techniques may seem confusing, once an artist has become familiar with photorealistic techniques and 3D rendering software programs, they will come to realize that it takes many of these features combined to create a successfully rendered 3D model.

Shading is an important part of a rendered model, as it gives light within the color and creates the appearance of shadows on a model, creating a lifelike appearance. It determines how the color and brightness of the surface of the model will interact with the lighting within the scene.

Texture and bump mapping give distinctive properties to the surface of the model and can create textures such as cloth, skin, or even liquid. Texture mapping is applied to surfaces on a large scale, and bump mapping to a much smaller scale, even as small as a pixel.

Fogging and shadows are both ways of playing with the light in a scene, and how it will interact with the 3D model. Fogging will create a dimming effect of the light through the atmosphere, and can create intense low-light features.

Inserting a reflection into an object allows the surface to appear mirrored, such as a surface of a window, piece of glass, or even something shiny within the scene. Transparency and translucency, all determine how light and other objects will pass through certain parts within the scene. This is also important in the creation of windows, and glass.

Determining the depth of field within the scene of a 3D model means that an object such as the character will be in motion, and aspects or scenery in the background may appear to blur. Motion blur has the same effect when high speed or motion of the camera is simulated within the rendering programs.

Objects within the scene can be changed to appear as if they have been created manually, through the use of painting or drawing. These are referred to as non-photorealistic features, as they are drastically different from the features which are most often used.

Using these effects in conjunction with each allow scenes to be set that are realistic, believable or whimsical, depending on the degree to which feature is used.

Rendering a 3D Model

The process of 3D rendering allows the artist to generate a picture of the model, after it has been completed. This image is created by using specific aspects of the model, such as: texture, lighting and the shading of the 3D model. The results of this rendered object will create a final product, a product that the consumer is going to be most familiar with.

3D rendering refers to the animation of giving life to a static 3D model. Through the rendering process, animations are created by using computer software to give life to the model through photorealistic techniques. 3D rendering is actually the final process of creating a 3D animation through five basic techniques.

There are two rendering techniques, real time vs. non real time. The difference between the two effective rendering techniques is the speed in which the objects are shown within the scene. Real time renderings occur at a range of twenty to one-hundred twenty frames per second, where non-real time renderings occur much slower, and are suitable for feature films, and movies.

Depending on the complexity of the model that has been created, the rendering process can be very expensive. Rendered models are often created in pieces, by different artists working for the same company, on the same production and then pieced together using graphics software.

Rendering is also used during video to calculate the final effects, or to edit the video file through the creation process. It allows the artist to view the final project, before it has been completed, creating a valuable tool in the video game and animated film design industry. Through the video rendering systems, multiple images must be created, and rendered together to create the final image, which has resulted from one 3D model. Interestingly, the films that we have become familiar with are the result of static 3D models brought through the rendering process.

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.

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 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

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.

What is Cloth Modeling?

Cloth modeling is a form of 3D modeling that allows computer graphics programs to create the appearance of clothing on 3D models, or fabrics within the programs. It is a crucial part in creating organic items such as clothing for 3D models created to appear human, or items within the home, or within the interior of a vehicle.

How is the appearance of cloth created within the 3D models? There are various types of mesh that will create the appearance of cloth. The main three types of meshes that are used to create the appearance of cloth are: geometrical methods, physical methods and particle/energy methods.

The appearance of cloth can be created through the use of geometrical methods, which are adequate in using curved lines to create the appearance of the texture of cloth. One of the primitive methods, using geometry to create cloth works well on cloth items that require single framing, which gives the object structure.

Physical methods of cloth modeling use a grid of particles which are linked together through springs. Tension, stiffness and weight are the three combined aspects to create the cloth appearance. There are three terms which are included in this technique: s terms, b terms and g terms. S terms will define the elasticity of the object, b terms will define the blending of the object, and g terms will define the gravity of the item. Aspects such as stiffening of the fabric, or stretching, and shearing of the fabric can all be defined through tweaking the certain ratios.

Energy and particle methods are used to create the illusion of cloth in complex structures by using energy rather than springs to connect the cloth. One of the main benefits of creating cloth through energy and particle is the prediction of how the cloth will react in any given circumstances.

Using these techniques, modelers are able to create valid, lifelike models that can be attributed to creating cloth that appears silken, wooly or even the traditional cotton.