Both faces of an object are rendered by default that is, the ones whose normals are facing the camera as well as those that are not. The technique ignores geometry seen from behind so that only the fronts of objects that are facing the camera are rendered. This is most efficiently performed by checking the orientation of the triangle normal in relation to the camera. Three dimensions are determined by using three axes: X, Y, and Z.Ī process included in most 3D graphics pipelines, backface culling eliminates triangles facing away from the camera. By using two axes, a plane is determined for example, the XY plane is defined by placing the X and Y axes so that they intersect at the global center (point of origin). The reference for describing the origin and position of an object in space, displayed by intersecting straight lines. In 3D space, the line that an object rotates around. In 3D space, the line that an object follows during movement. Not only is this more realistic for your renderings, it also helps speed up rendering time since only the geometry close enough to be affected by the light needs calculation time. This means that if attenuation is turned on for a light only the geometry in its proximity will be lit. In real life, the light attenuates by the inverse square of the distance. The further the light travels, the dimmer the light. When light travels through air its strength diminishes with the distance. It should not be confused with the pixel aspect ratio, explained further on. Images become distorted if forced into a different aspect ratio during enlargement, reduction, or transfers. 35 mm slides have the aspect ratio of 4:3 (1.33:1). This tool is so named because it creates arrays of objects (creates an ordered set consisting of multiple copies of the same object).Ī description of the proportion of an image by comparing its width to its height. In a 3D program, the array tool is usually used to create ordered copies of an object within 3D space.
This is useful for creating soft shadows with both an umbra (the full shadow) and a penumbra (the partial shadow).Ī set of elements put together into a single entity. The rays emanate from a geometric area instead of a single point (entire surface uniformly emits light).
For example, Maya and Blender both offer API's that allow users to automate/write scripts to perform tedious tasks.Ī special kind of point or spotlight. An API can be used to develop new software, like addons for the existing software.
The greater the aperture, the smaller the depth of field and the greater the amount of light entering the lens.Īn API is a set of clearly defined methods of communication between various software components. It is achieved by taking the surrounding areas into account when assigning a color value to pixels lying on an object's contour. Through animation the artist’s drawing comes to life.Ī method for blending harsh contours and preventing staircasing or stairstepping. A method of creating the illusion of life or movement in inanimate objects or drawings. Everything in a scene is represented by numeric values and, as such, animation is also the process of changing these values - position, color, or any other property - over time. Also, the process of creating and recording images that change over time. The movement of elements through time and space. Usually, you can tell when this happens because the line between the colors looks very jagged, as if it were a flight of stairs, in fact it is often referred to as a "stairstepping" effect. When referring to pictures, aliasing is the effect that occurs when a line looks jagged instead of smooth because of a contrast in colors. The most common 3D objects are geometric objects, which can be classified according to whether they are polygon meshes, curves, proxy objects, or empties. Some objects have a special role, for instance a camera or a light, while others serve as controls for other objects, for instance armatures, skeletons or splines. Come across a word that you've never seen before? There's a good chance you may find a definition here.Īnything with a position and a representation in 3D space. This page describes some frequently used terms used in 3d Modeling.