Unit 66: Geometric Theory, Mesh Constructs & Constraints

Vertices: A point in three-dimensional space

Curves: 3D modelling method which will rely on curves to generate surface geometry.

Edges: Helps define shape but can also be used to transform them

Polygons: these are straight sided shapes made by 3D points and the lines that connect them.

Elements: These are a group of polygons which are connected to each other by the same vertices.

Face: The dace of a shape which will fill in the emptiness between edges.

Primitives: Building blocks of 3D basic shapes such as cubes, pyramids, cones and spheres.

Box modelling is a technique which allows the artist to use a low-resolution primitive, e.g. A cube or sphere and modify the shape by extruding, scaling or rotating the faces and edges, this will allow them to create a rough or somewhat accurate draft of what the final model will look like. 

Extruding and scaling is a technique which would allow a person to extrude/scale the face of a shape, which are the flat panels that create the whole model, these techniques are good and simple but lack the overall complexity when you want to create a more complex model which cannot use primitive shapes. 

There are three types of constraints in 3D modelling, the first being polygon count, the polygon count is important when making models as the game needs to run and it’s in ‘real time’ which would be a video game. When playing a video game the polygons will render on whatever the player is looking at, this is why in cutscenes the game looks so much better this is because the polygons are pre-rendered. The second constraint is file size, this is important as most games on disk and all the information needs to be compressed onto the disk, however sometimes with technology getting better some games offer both disk with the information on. There are ways to make the file size smaller such as changing the render resolution, or reselect the textures of things in the game or you could use ProOptimizer when playing games. The last constraints is rendering time, this is important too, this is saving the 3D model as a 2D image. Rendering time in 3D modelling can either take seconds or days depending on poly count and how much work there is involved in the model.

Unit 66: 3D Software

Autodesk

Autodesk, Inc. is an American multinational software corporation that makes software services for the architecture, engineering, construction, manufacturing, media, education, and entertainment industries. Autodesk is headquartered in San Rafael, California, and features a gallery of its customers' work in its San Francisco building. The company has offices worldwide. Its U.S. locations are California, Oregon, Colorado, Texas, Michigan, New Hampshire and Massachusetts. Its Canada offices are located in Ontario, Quebec, and Alberta.

The company was founded in 1982 by John Walker, who was a coauthor of the first versions of AutoCAD. AutoCAD, which is the company's flagship computer-aided design (CAD) software and Revit software are primarily used by architects, engineers, and structural designers to design, draft, and model buildings and other structures. Autodesk software has been used in many fields, and on projects from the One World Trade Center to Tesla electric cars.

Autodesk is used by making various sized polygons that can be edited in several different ways. In Autodesk the user is able to make very small but intricate designs that can be joined together to make one larger design. the benefit of this is that each individual part can be edited and tweaked to fit the users desires and needs, also they can edit the part to fit the design so that it is flush rahter than having to completely remake something in one piece.

ZBrush

ZBrush is a digital sculpting tool that combines 3D/2.5D modeling, texturing and painting. It uses a proprietary "pixol" technology (see below) which stores lighting, colour, material, orientation, and depth information for the points making up all objects on the screen. The main difference between ZBrush and more traditional modeling packages is that it is more akin to traditional sculpting.

ZBrush is used for creating "high-resolution" models (able to reach 40+ million polygons) for use in movies, games, and animations, by companies ranging from ILM and Weta Digital, to Epic Games and Electronic Arts. ZBrush uses dynamic levels of resolution to allow sculptors to make global or local changes to their models. ZBrush is most known for being able to sculpt medium- to high-frequency details that were traditionally painted in bump maps. The resulting mesh details can then be exported as normal maps to be used on a low poly version of that same model. They can also be exported as a displacement map, although, in that case, the lower poly version generally requires more resolution. Or, once completed, the 3D model can be projected onto the background, becoming a 2.5D image (upon which further effects can be applied). Work can then begin on another 3D model which can be used in the same scene. This feature lets users work within complicated scenes without a heavy processor overhead.

Game Engine/ Epic

The Unreal Engine is a game engine developed by Epic Games, first showcased in the 1998 first-person shooter game Unreal. Although initially developed for first-person shooters, it has been successfully used in a variety of other genres, including platformers, fighting games, MMORPGs, and other RPGs. With its code written in C++, the Unreal Engine features a high degree of portability and is a tool used by many game developers today, with it being source-available. The most recent version is Unreal Engine 4, which was released in 2014.

Unit 66 3D Modelling: Applications of 3D Modelling

History of 3D Modelling 

3D models have been an recurring feature in gaming since the 1990's, the majority of games over the last two decades have featured 3D models. But 3D models are not a recent discovery, they have been around since the as early as the 1960's. But because of technological restrictions it took years for 3D modelling to really come of use , and for many different purposes. Animation has been a important tool for the development of television and film industries, 2D animation has been used in cartoons for years, and many modern films use CGI(Computer Generated Imagery) to create a scene which could not have been done in real life without killing a stuntman or two. A example on a 3D animated film would be Toy Story(1995). Toy Story was not the first 3D animated movie, but it could be described as the most famous example. Toy Story would use an animation variable called "Avar's"- also known as a hinge. Woody- one of the main characters in Toy Story- would have 212 in his face and 712 for the rest of his body. An Avar controls part of animated object, sets of Avar's create the animated objects movement for each frame. An Avar is similar to how motion capture works, but motion capture will only be as good as the actor moving around, 3D animation is limitless, it just takes a lot of time- Toy Story took 4-5 years to make.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avar_(animation_variable)

http://pixar-animation.weebly.com/pixars-animation-process.html 

In the 1990's 3D animation became a lot cheap due to more powerful and obtainable computers, because of this the video game industry could venture into 3D graphics, in the mid 1990's game like Super Mario 64 were being released, and consoles like the PlayStation were powerful enough to render 3D models and animation.

There are six main industries that use 3D modelling the most, these industries are: entertainment, gaming, architecture, publishing, advertising and marketing and finally geology and science. Below is a more detailed about these industries and how they use 3D modelling. 

Entertainment

Theres not a big film or tv show that comes out of hollywood without extensive use of 3D modelling, it is primarily used in special effects to make the environments that never existed before and supernatural occurences that unfold quite naturally, but it is not uncommon to have shots where things are added that you might not realise are artificial at all. 3D graphic artists using computer graphic imaging, more commonly known as CGI, can remove things from scenes as well as add them in an example of this would be taking out trees from a scene that is meant to be a densely populated city scene.

Gaming

another area where 3D modelling software is evident is in the area of gaming. Video games are become more and more realistic since the era of Pac man but the games industry has only started using 3D modelling in the 1990's as i have previously stated above. Whether it is destroying aliens or driving hypercars faster than anyone in the real world possibly could, the scenes, props, and even the people in games are starting to look like real people more and more like real scenes, props and people with each new game that comes out. 

Architecture

For decades, renderers would “flesh-out” plans and blueprints into a drawing, usually somewhat realistic, that was essentially the first “picture” of the new building. Welcome to the future. Now, these renderings are done on the computer, and you can add motion and depth, so clients can see a “fly-by” that illustrates all angles of vision (including a birds-eye or ground perspective view). Additionally, the views can go inside the structure, too. This way, clients know exactly what they’re in for on their project.

Publishing

Publishers of textbooks and other illustrated books are making use of 3D modeling more and more. It allows them to show pictures that otherwise they might not be able to get, for various reasons, including access and copyright issues. Sometimes, the illustrations may be fantastical, and they can help show an artist’s version of something that mankind has never seen, like historic events or visions of the future.

Advertising and Marketing

3D modeling artists can help advertisers and marketers depict their products in the ideal state. It allows companies to render new cars, new product packaging and prototypes at drastic savings. If it doesn’t ‘play’, they can fix it by merely changing the computer model. Additionally, once they have developed the right rendering, they can use that to sell the item before they have to invest capital in production.

Geology and Science

Geologists and scientists can use 3D modeling to create models that simulate earthquakes and landforms, such as ocean trenches, that let them see the affects of stresses. Additionally, they can simulate motion, like flight patterns, including various factors that affect them.

Theory of Digital Graphics: Image Capture, Image Output and Storage of Image Assets

Image Capture

To 'capture' an image means to take a recording of it, so that you may view it later. You can do this by using a variety of different recording media:

Scanner

A scanner can be connected up to a computer or laptop, so that you can scan an image in. Usually, the image will be on a piece of A4 paper, as the maximum size most scanners can scan in is A4. After you have scanned the file, you will have a digital copy of the image or document, so that you can edit it digitally.

Digital camera

A digital camera allows you to take pictures of a current scene, such as a event or a group of people. After you have taken the picture, the image is stored on the SD card inside the camera, which can be removed and put into a computer, so that you can edit the files if you so wish.

Nikon D60 Digital SLR Camera 

Tablet

A tablet is a device which you can plug into either your computer or laptop, and then draw images on the tablet screen and they will appear on screen. Tablet's are mainly used by artists, as this is a easy way to 'draw into' a digital device. Tablet's are available with screens on them, so that you can see more easily what you are drawing, rather than looking at the screen whilst you are drawing on another surface. These type's of tablet's may be more commonly referred to as "Graphics tablet's", as tablets can also mean "Tablet computers".

Image Output

Image output means any device or object in which you can display an image that has, usually, been produced digitally, or traditionally. 

Print media Computer/Laptop

You will be able to view images, such as drawings and promotional material, on a laptop or

Most work that is viewed on these types of devices can be altered in programmes such as Photoshop, or Paint. Computers/Laptops are used to display media which is usually only going to be seen by a few people, so it would not be ideal to use to show a large number of people information on a screen.

Projection

You can also project images onto surfaces using projectors. This will allow you to show media to an audience easily, but you may be unable to edit the media on-screen if you are using an older projector. Projectors are usually used when showing presentations to a large audience, either educational or for entertainment.

Printed media

Printed media can apply to a range of physical media, such as advertisements in magazines, posters or billboard advertisements. You will typically see advertisements in gaming magazines for new games, as this is their target audience. You will only typically see games advertised on Billboards if they have a large following, such as the Batman video game franchise, as they will more likely profit from this advertisement when compared to a game with a smaller following, such as the Silent Hill video game series. However, this could be seen as a way of appealing to a target audience, or if the company can afford to have these placements.

Theory of Digital Graphics: Types of Graphics and File Types

Types of Graphics

HUD

HUD's or as they are also known Heads Up Displays are used in games to give the player information about what is happening in the game, these things tend to be a mini map of an area they are in, the vitals of the player such as health and stamina, in some games such as shooters it gives the player information about the weapons they are using and how much ammo they have left for each weapon. In some games they have unique features that are only in a specific game for example: The Legends of Zelda: Breath of the Wild has a feature that lets the player know when they are close to one of the shrine puzzles the game includes. Another game that has a unique feature is a game called Sunset Overdrive which has a feature called a style meter that tells the player what style level they are on depending on how the player moves around the game world. 

Logos

Logos are used for companies so that there brand are easily recognisable to the customers. Logos are not just used for companies they are also used in the music industry to distinguish the bands and make them unique from each other. for example one company that has an iconic logo is Nike as it uses the Nike tick which sets it apart from other brands. Games also use logos on the box covers and on the consoles themselves. one example of this is Destiny as it uses its own logo to make it stand out from other games.

Branding

Branding is how a company advertises and promotes their product to help it sell, they use branding strategies to put their brand logo and slogan on products and other marketing objects like billboards so people see them 

Website Images

website images are used to entice more people to the website by using images and gifs which makes the website more shareable and drives the business forward to make their brand more well known, one example of this is the website lad bible as it uses images to entice viewers to the website and increase their popularity.

File Types

File Extensions

When saving images, only certain file types will be able to be seen on digital devices. For example, Apple devices do not support Flash, so any .fla flies wont function on Apple devices, which may a problem if a site runs on flash. Another example is if you have to edit or open a .psd file on a computer which doesn't have Photoshop installed: you won't be able to open the file, which may cause some problems. The best way to avoid this would be to save the image as a more common file type, such as .jpg, .bmp or .png. 

.bmp

.bmp, or Bitmap, is a common image file format and is compatable with most computers. It is a raster type format, so that means that it retains it's sharpness when 'blown up'

.png

.png, or Portable Network Graphic, is a file type which is not as common as the other file types, as it is not as widely used. You may need to install a programme to open and edit these files, as the programmes pre-installed will not open these files. One common factor about .png files is that they have a transparent background (a grey and white blocked background), so they are more commonly used in the industry for media.

.gif

.gif, or Graphics Interchange Format, is a file format which lets you show a small animation from either a video clip or an animation. .gifs are mainly used for online purposes, but they have a limited colour palette so they may not be suitable for some professional companies.

.tiff

.tiff, or Tagged Image File Format, is a file extention mainly used by professionals, photographers and graphic artists, but can be opened on most computers.

.jpg

.jpg is probably the most common image file type, as you can open and edit these file types on any computer. .jpg's aren't widelt used in the media industry as such, as when you 'blow up' jpg's, you can see the pixels more clearly, so it looks blurred.

.psd

.psd, or Photoshop Document, is a file type which can only be opened in Adobe Photoshop. This is because the file will contain all the layers of the image, which can only be edited in Photoshop. this type of file format will be more commonly used in the industry due to its relation with Photoshop and its large pixel count.

Theory of Digital Graphics: Picture Element and Image Resolution

What Are They?

Picture Element

In digital imaging, a pixel, pel, or picture element is a physical point in a raster image, or the smallest addressable element in an all points addressable display device; so it is the smallest controllable element of a picture represented on the screen.

Image Resolution

The term resolution is often considered equivalent to pixel count in digital imaging, though international standards in the digital camera field specify it should instead be called "Number of Total Pixels" in relation to image sensors, and as "Number of Recorded Pixels" for what is fully captured.

What Are They Used For?

Picture Element

Picture elements are used in all raster type graphics as they are made up of pixels which is an abbreviation of picture element, "pix" being picture and "el", being element. Where as vector images use lines rather than pixels.

Image Resolution

Image Resolution is used for the detail that an image has. The resolution of an image is how clear the image is to see. it is also used in the clarity and sharpness in an image relating to printers and monitors which means the higher the resolution of an image the the sharper and clearer it will be, it will also help to see the details in the image a lot better.

Theory of Graphic Design: Applications of Digital Graphics in Games

What are Digital Graphics?

A graphic is an image or visual representation of an object. Therefore, computer graphics are simply images displayed on a computer screen. Graphics are often contrasted with text, which is comprised of characters, such as numbers and letters, rather than images.

Computer graphics can be either two or three-dimensional. "Early computers only supported 2D monochrome graphics, meaning they were black and white (or black and green, depending on the monitor)". Eventually, computers began to support colour images. While the first machines only supported 16 or 256 colours, most computers can now display graphics in millions of colours.

2D graphics come in two types. Raster and Vector. Raster graphics are the most common and are used for digital photos, Web graphics, icons, and other types of images. They are composed of a simple grid of pixels, which can each be a different colour. However, Vector Graphics are made up of paths, which may be lines, shapes, letters, or other scalable objects. They are often used for creating logos, signs, and other types of drawings. Unlike raster graphics, vector graphics can be scaled to a larger size without losing quality.

3D graphics however have only been used more since the 1990's. Along with 3D rendering software such as CAD (Computer Aided Design) and 3D Animation software. During the beginning of the 2000's 3D Graphics began to be used in video games more and more, since computers had more processing power. nowadays all computers have 3D graphics cards installed.

What are They Used For?

Digital Graphics have five main purposes. these purposes are to educate, inform, advertise, promote and to entertain.

Educate

Graphics can be used to educate people. The graphics included in school textbooks are one example of this and books and magazines can also be educational. Posters might be used to educate in schools or included in magazines for children to pull out. Graphics used on websites might also be aiming to educate users. Education isn’t just for school children. Adults can also be educated using graphics. This can range from graphics that help them learn new skills to the health and safety posters in workplaces which might educate them about how to behave.

Inform

Graphics combining text and images can be used to give a direct message. These graphics might include signs and posters which direct people around a building, or might be used to tell people what to do or not to do in certain situations (for example, hazard warnings or safety warning signs). Leaflets are sometimes used to pass on information, perhaps at an event or ones designed to tell you about a place. If these are designed well they can be more attractive and effective at informing readers.

Promote

Digital graphics can be used to promote a product or service. Film posters, for example, promote new movies. Two examples, one modern and one from the 1940's, are shown to the left. They both keep to certain sets of rules, there are things that movie posters always have in them. Graphics can be used to promote places or events as well. These could be posters, flyers, billboards or online graphics. Websites might use promotions to promote sales or special offers and to attract new clients.

Advertise

Businesses use adverts to promote their products or services. Adverts are often found in magazines or newspapers as well as online. An advert may be for a specific product or event or may be used to raise the profile of the business or organisation so that people think know about it. Adverts can also be used to promote particular events or deals - for example, a sale or a special offer. Sometimes adverts can be really simple, with only a small amount of information on them. These are about raising the profile of the brand rather than promoting a specific item for sale.

Entertain

Digital graphics can simply be produce to entertain people. Magazines or books are often designed to entertain and graphics such as magazine or book covers can fall into this purpose. Comic strips, which can be online or in books, are another good example of this. The graphics included in multimedia or game products are also obvious examples of graphics designed to entertain. Part of entertaining can be to grab the attention of potential readers so that they are more likely to think about buying the product.