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{{3D computer graphics}}
{{dablink|This article is about process of creating 3D computer graphics. For information on the study of computer graphics, see [[Computer graphics]]}}
'''3D computer graphics''' (in contrast to [[2D computer graphics]]) are graphics that use a [[Cartesian coordinate system#Three-dimensional coordinate system|three-dimensional]] representation of geometric data that is stored in the computer for the purposes of performing calculations and rendering 2D images. Such images may be for later display or for real-time viewing. Despite these differences, 3D computer graphics rely on many of the same [[algorithm]]s as 2D computer [[vector graphics]] in the [[wire-frame model]] and 2D computer [[raster graphics]] in the final rendered display. In computer graphics software, the distinction between 2D and 3D is occasionally blurred; 2D applications may use 3D techniques to achieve effects such as lighting, and primarily 3D may use 2D rendering techniques.
3D computer graphics are often referred to as [[3D modeling|3D models]]. Apart from the rendered graphic, the model is contained within the graphical data file. However, there are differences. A 3D model is the [[Mathematics|mathematical]] representation of any [[Three-dimensional space|three-dimensional]] object (either inanimate or living). A model is not technically a graphic until it is visually displayed. Due to [[3D printing]], 3D models are not confined to virtual space. A model can be displayed visually as a two-dimensional image through a process called ''[[3D rendering]],'' or used in non-graphical [[computer simulation]]s and calculations.
==Overview==
The process of creating 3D computer graphics can be sequentially divided into three basic phases: [[3D modeling]] which describes the process of forming the shape of an object, layout and [[Computer animation|animation]] which describes the ''motion'' and ''placement'' of objects within a scene, and [[3D rendering]] which produces an ''image'' of an object.
===Modeling===
[[Image:Engine movingparts.jpg|thumb|right|A [[3D rendering]] with [[Ray tracing (graphics)|ray tracing]] and [[ambient occlusion]] using [[Blender (software)|Blender]] and [[Yafray]]]]
{{main|3D modeling}}
The model describes the process of forming the shape of an object. The two most common sources of [[3D model]]s are those originated on the computer by an artist or engineer using some kind of 3D modeling tool, and those [[3d scanning|scanned]] into a computer from real-world objects. Models can also be produced [[procedural modeling|procedurally]] or via [[physical simulation]].
===Layout and animation===
{{main|Computer animation}}
Before objects are rendered, they must be placed ([[layout|layout/laid out]]) within a [[scene]]. This is what defines the spatial relationships between objects in a scene including [[___location]] and [[size]]. Animation refers to the ''temporal'' description of an object, i.e., how it moves and deforms over time. Popular methods include [[keyframing]], [[inverse kinematics]], and [[motion capture]], though many of these techniques are used in conjunction with each-other. As with modeling, [[physical simulation]] is another way of specifying motion.
===Rendering===
[[Image:Cannonball stack with FCC unit cell.jpg|thumb|right|During the [[3D rendering]] step, the number of reflections “light rays” can take, as well as various other attributes, can be tailored to achieve a desired visual effect.]]
{{main|3D rendering}}
Rendering converts a model into an image either by simulating [[light transport theory|light transport]] to get photorealistic images, or by applying some kind of style as in [[non-photorealistic rendering]]. The two basic operations in realistic rendering are transport (how much light gets from one place to another) and scattering (how surfaces interact with light). This step is usually performed using [[3D computer graphics software]] or a [[List of 3D graphics APIs|3D graphics API]]. The process of altering the scene into a suitable form for rendering also involves [[3D projection]] which allows a three-dimensional image to be viewed in two dimensions.
== Communities ==
There are a multitude of websites designed to help educate and support 3D graphic artists. Some are managed by software developers and content providers, but there are standalone sites as well (such as [[Renderosity]]). These communities allow for members to seek advice, post tutorials, provide product reviews or post examples of their own work.
==Distinct from photorealistic 2D graphics==
Not all computer graphics that appear 3D are based on a wireframe model. 2D computer graphics with 3D [[photorealistic]] effects are often achieved without wireframe modeling and are sometimes indistinguishable in the final form. Some [[graphic art software]] includes filters that can be applied to 2D vector graphics or 2D raster graphics on transparent layers. [[Visual art]]ists may also copy or visualize 3D effects and [[artistic rendering|manually render]] photorealistic effects without the use of filters. ''See also [[still life]].''
{{Fact|date=July 2008}}
== History ==
[[William Fetter]] was credited with coining the term ''computer graphics'' in 1960,{{Fact|date=September 2007}} to describe his work at [[Boeing]]. One of the first displays of computer animation was ''[[Futureworld]]'' (1976), which included an [[animation]] of a human face and hand — produced by [[Edwin Catmull|Ed Catmull]] and [[Fred Parke]] at the [[University of Utah]].
==See also==
{{commonscat|3D computer graphics}}
<div style="-moz-column-count:2; column-count:2;">
* [[3D motion controller]]
* [[3D projection|3D Projections on 2D Planes]]
* [[Anaglyph image]]
* [[Computer vision]]
* [[Digital geometry]]
* [[Geometry pipeline]]
* [[Geometry processing]]
* [[Graphics]]
* [[Graphics processing unit]] (GPU)
* [[Graphical output device]]s
* [[Image processing]]
* [[Reflection (computer graphics)]]
* [[Rendering (computer graphics)]]
* [[SIGGRAPH]]
* [[Timeline of CGI in films]]
</div>
==References==
<references/>
{{Unreferenced|date=November 2007}}
==External links==
{{Wiktionarypar|computer graphics}}
* [http://accad.osu.edu/~waynec/history/lessons.html A Critical History of Computer Graphics and Animation]
* [http://www.acid.org/radio/index.html#ARTS-EP05 The ARTS: Episode 5] An in depth interview with Legalize on the subject of the History of Computer Graphics. (Available in MP3 audio format)
* [http://computer.howstuffworks.com/3dgraphics.htm How Stuff Works - 3D Graphics]
* [http://hem.passagen.se/des/hocg/hocg_1960.htm ''History of Computer Graphics'' series of articles]
* [http://www.secondpicture.com/3d_tutorials.html Second Picture's 3D graphics tutorials]
[[Category:Computer graphics| ]]
[[Category:3D computer graphics| ]]
[[Category:3D imaging|Computer graphics]]
[[Category:Visual effects]]
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