Different 3D Modeling Techniques
The 3D modeling stage consists of shaping the individual objects used in the 3D scene. Several modeling techniques exist, including the following:
1. Constructive solid geometry: This is where you create a complex 3D surface or 3D object using Boolean to stitch simpler 3D objects together.
2. Implicit surfaces: The implicit model consists of a continuous volumetric model, where the volume of the model forms the three-dimensional implicit surface, which is developed using several mathematical algorithms.
3. Subdivision surfaces: In this modeling technique for making high-resolution models, the low-resolution cage model is subdivided into sub-parts by the modeling software to obtain a smoother 3D surface.
Modeling is performed by a dedicated application, such as Autodesk 3ds Max or Maya, or a plug-in, such as Lofter in 3ds Max.
Sometimes, there are no defined boundaries between modeling techniques, and they are often used in combination with each other as part of the scene creation process.
Often, complex materials, such as blown sand, clouds, and sprays of liquids, are modeled using particle systems and are a block of 3D coordinates, which have either points, polygons, texture circles, or sprites assigned to them.
In a mathematical sense, 3D modeling has been around for a long time, but virtual modeling, where the real world is represented in 3D for you to see on your screen, really got its start in the late 1990s:
1. Human models: The first available application of human virtual models appeared in 1998 on the Lands’ End clothing website. The templates used on the website were created by My Virtual Mode, Inc. It enabled users to create a model of themselves and try on 3D clothing. You can use many 3D modeling software applications, such as Poser, to create virtual human models.
2. 3D Clothes: Software that simulates fabric and textiles has made it possible for artists and fashion designers to design dynamic 3D clothes in model designers, such as MarvelousDesigner, CLO3D, and Optitex. 3D dynamic clothing is often used in virtual costume catalogs, realistic 3D clothing characters in video games, 3D animated films, and digital multiples in movies. These 3D models are also used to make clothes for avatars in virtual worlds, such as Second Life.