Point-Based Graphics (eBook)

The current methods of modeling objects in computer graphics are starting to come up against limitations driven by the enormous complexity of modern images. The current method (known as polygon meshes) requires huge computational power to manage, process, and manipulate the large amounts of information that is now contained in these images. For example, a single frame of Pixar's Cars typically required 30+ hours render time on the best hardware Disney could buy. In addition, modern 3D digital photography and scanning techniques can capture not only the appearance of objects, but can also the geometrical information of complex, real-world objects. This results in huge collections of samples of points of objects. These point sets can become the building blocks of new types of 3D models, much like a pixel is the building block of an image.
Point-Based Graphics describes a new technique with easy-to-use tools for manipulating 3D models. This technique will allow current graphics tools, such as Adobe Illustrator or Adobe Photoshop, to be extended to 3D images. These techniques will have a major impact in the media and entertainment industries. For example, the latest rendering tool used at Pixar is point-based. And techniques used for special effects in movies and computer games that are based on particle systems are a natural fit with point-based methods.

The first book on a major development in graphics by the pioneers in the field
* This technique allows 3D images to be manipulated as easily as Photoshop works with 2D images
* Includes CD-ROM with the open source software program Pointshop3D for experimentation with point graphics

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The polygon-mesh approach to 3D modeling was a huge advance, but today its limitations are clear. Longer render times for increasingly complex images effectively cap image complexity, or else stretch budgets and schedules to the breaking point. Comprised of contributions from leaders in the development and application of this technology, Point-Based Graphics examines it from all angles, beginning with the way in which the latest photographic and scanning devices have enabled modeling based on true geometry, rather than appearance. From there, it's on to the methods themselves. Even though point-based graphics is in its infancy, practitioners have already established many effective, economical techniques for achieving all the major effects associated with traditional 3D Modeling and rendering. You'll learn to apply these techniques, and you'll also learn how to create your own. The final chapter demonstrates how to do this using Pointshop3D, an open-source tool for developing new point-based algorithms. The first book on a major development in computer graphics by the pioneers in the field Shows how 3D images can be manipulated as easily as 2D images are with Photoshop