Introduction to 3D Graphics and its Applications

• 3D graphics is a branch of computer graphics encompassing techniques and tools for displaying volumetric objects.
• 3D graphics is widely used to create images for cinema, architecture, computer games, printing, science, and industry.
• 3D graphics represents images in three dimensions, which are then converted to 2D for display on screens or paper.
• 3D graphics is a more realistic representation of information, as humans perceive the world in three dimensions, allowing for easy manipulation of lighting and shadow effects.
• 3D and 2D graphics are interconnected; 3D graphics uses 2D vector and raster graphics algorithms, while 2D graphics uses 3D construction for realistic images.
• Creating a 3D image on a plane involves:
• Modeling, where a 3D mathematical model of the scene and objects is created.
• Rendering (visualization), which involves building a projection based on chosen physical parameters.
• Outputting the image to a display or printer.
• 3D graphics does not necessarily involve projecting onto a plane due to the development of 3D displays and printers.

Modeling

• Modeling is the virtual space for simulation that includes several categories of objects
• Geometry, which builds models using various techniques.
• Materials, which provides information about a model's visual properties, such as the color of walls and the reflective/refractive properties of windows.
• Light sources, which configures the direction, intensity, and spectrum of the lighting.
• Virtual cameras, which selects a viewpoint and angle.
• Forces and actions, which adjusts dynamic distortions of objects, mainly in animation
• Additional effects, that includes objects that simulate atmospheric phenomena like light in fog, clouds, and flames

Rendering

• Rendering transforms mathematical (vector) spatial models into flat (raster) images, and if a film is needed, a sequence of images/frames is rendered.
• Images on a screen are represented as a matrix of points, with each point defined by at least three numbers: the intensity of red, green, and blue.
• Rendering converts a 3D vector data structure into a flat pixel matrix.
• Rendering can be computationally intensive as creating a realistic illusion requires building contours of models on a screen via projection.
• Rendering can require creating illusions of materials, and calculating how transparent mediums distort these objects.

Visualization Technologies include

• Z-buffer, use in OpenGL and DirectX 10.
• Scanline (Ray casting), which helps to calculate the color of each pixel on a picture by building a ray from the viewer's perspective through an imaginary opening on the screen to the first surface.
• Ray tracing refines pixel color (reflected/refracted), though it only utilizes reverse ray tracing, from the observer.
• Global illumination calculates the interaction of surfaces and mediums in the visible spectrum using integral equations.
• Ray tracing algorithms have become blurred as 3D Studio Max utilizes a Default scanline renderer, and is an algorithm that takes into account diffusion, reflection, and illumination and smoothed shadows.

Rendering Systems

• Examples of rendering systems include PhotoRealistic RenderMan (PRMan).
• Mental ray
• V-Ray
• Corona Renderer
• FinalRender
• Brazil R / S
• BusyRay
• Turtle
• Fryrender
• Maxwell Render
• Indigo Renderer
• LuxRender
• YafaRay
• POV-Ray
• Rendering can be divided into threads (parallelized) due to the amount of similar computations, making multi-processor systems highly relevant for visualization.
• Visualization systems are being developed which use GPUs instead of CPUs, which offer higher efficiency for such calculations.
• GPU systems include Refractive Software Octane Render.
• AAA studio FurryBall
• RandomControl ARION and others.
• Many CPU visualization system manufacturers will introduce GPU support.
• Progress in 3D graphics are presented at the annual SIGGRAPH symposium held in the USA.

Software

• There are program packages for computer modeling, examples are:
• 3ds Max
• Maya
• Lightwave 3D
• SoftImage XSI
• Sidefx Houdini
• Maxon Cinema 4D
• Realsoft 3D
• Rhinoceros 3D
• modo, Nevercenter Silo
• ZBrush
• The free to use system "Blender" allows model production and rendering
• K-3D and Wings3D are for model creation

SketchUp

• The Free SketchUp program helps creating modes that is compatible with geography.
• There are also architectural models in Google Cities in Development.
• 3D graphics is also used in CAD (computer-aided design) like buildings, machines, and architecture.

Physical Representation

• 3D graphics operates in virtual three-dimensional space, that is shown on a flat display.
• Immersive technology like stereoscopic, virtual helmets, and 3D displays create a illusion although most of these are symbolic.
• German Fraunhofer Institutes demonstrated 3D displays that move eye placement and adjust images.
• Tokyo University created system to feel images, where rays focus on a finger dependent on the pressure.
• Rapid technology helps create this technology be liquidating representations.

3D Displays

• Stereoscopic 3D displays creates volume due to effects with real objects.
• Current dominant imaging is stereoscopic effect, that creates human eye and distinguishes shapes.
• Technical methods help implement stereos by combining polarized/shuttered glasses with displays
• New stereoscopics do not new devices but are limited.
• Other companies discontinued Philips.
• Another issue is a viewer keeping distance to have quality pictures, it goes from 3 to 10 meters.
• Stereoscopics don't use 3D graphic directly, Western media uses 3D on graphics and stereo devices

Stereo Effect

• WOWxv gives off 3D, lending wide viewers.
• Lens allows light in.
• Brain combines them to create volume, lens increases clarity.

3D Lights

• Technology shows 3D video graphics on big LED (Light Emitting Diode)
• Gothenburg Sweden set 3D LED and was named in Guinness Book of World Records
• Other experimental displays for objects without stereotypes.
• Technology lights laser beam and light particles.
• Other devices spin disc with LED on it
• Some devices allow display for viewing

Theaters in 3D

• 3D are used in films
• Viewing 3d has been popular
• Dolby 3D
• XpanD
• RealD
• IMAX

Augmented Reality

• Expanded 3D graphic with recognition.
• Marker allows the real reality show 3D designs, users interact with the market.
• FLARToolKit library supports flash for promotion.

Explore the fundamentals of 3D graphics, a computer graphics branch focused on displaying volumetric objects. Widely utilized in cinema, architecture, and gaming, 3D graphics represents images in three dimensions, enhancing realism and manipulation of effects, with key processes including modeling and rendering.